
ENTERTAINMENTS 



M 




LIBRARY OF CONGRESS. 

BV \573 . . 

Shelf ............ 



UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. 



Qunday-^chool an d Ohurch 

Entertainments. 

DESIONED FOR 
ANNIVERSARIES, CELEBRATIONS, CHRISTMAS, NEW- 
YEAR, EASTER, AND THANKSGKEVINO OCCA- 
SIONS, AND THE FULL ROUND OF 
ENTERTAINMENTS. 



SELECTED FROM ORIGINAL ARTICLES CON- 
TRIBUTED BY A CORPS OF ABLE AND 
EXPERIENCED WRITERS. 




fil 



<&jM 



PUBLICATION DEPARTMENT, 

^[he Rational Sehool of Elocution and Oratory, 

fHIL.ADEL.PHIA. 
1888. 



r- / 






Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1888, by 

THE NATIONAL SCHOOL OF ELOCUTION AND ORATORY, 

in the Office of the Librarian of Congress, Washington, D. C. 



PREFACE. 

TWO facts are clear : First, that nearly every Church 
or Sunday-School, at some time or other, gives en- 
tertainments of a literary character ; second, that 
there is great difficulty in securing suitable material for 
such purposes. The few available articles have been 
worn threadbare, so that frequent inquiries have been 
made for such a book as this. 

■■• Sunday- School and Church Entertainments " is 
therefore an effort to supply a recognized want. How 
far it succeeds remains to be seen. 

All the articles are new and original, and have been 
specially prepared by a number of experienced writers. 
In the selection of material three questions have been 
asked: First, Is this suitable for Church purposes? 
second, Is it of good literary merit ? third, Will it be 
bright and attractive ? 

We have satisfied ourselves on these points, and now 
launch the work on its mission, trusting it will serve in 
no small degree to relieve the " Entertainment Com- 
mittee " of the hackneyed charge of dullness. 

It should perhaps be added that an effort has been 
made to furnish material for the various festivals of the 
Church year, so that Christmas, Easter, Anniversaries, 
etc., will not be without appropriate exercises. 

In some cases familiar Bible stories, such as " Joseph 
and his Brethren " and " Elijah and the Rain," have 
been presented in dialogue form, thus still more popu- 
larizing these deservedly favorite passages. 

The Publishers. 
iii 



CONTENTS. 



Our Anniversary, Mrs. 31. Ella Cornell, 

From Captivity to Power, . . . Clara J. Denton, . . 

Casting Bread upon the Waters, . Mrs. E. J. Goodfellow, 

Building the Ladder, Elizabeth Lloyd, . . . 

Some Children of the Bible, . . E. C. and L. J. Book, 

Elijah and the Kain, E. Murray, .... 

Wisdom's Treasures, Mrs. E. J. Goodfellow, 

A Short Missionary Service, . . Clara J. Denton, . . 

Seed-Time, Mrs. L. A. Bradbury, 

Proverbs, or Rhymes and Rea- 
sons, E. C. and //. J. Book, 

The Reward of Earnest Effort, . Mrs, M. Ella Cornell, 

The Children's Wishes, .... Sara M. Chatfield, . . 

Boys of the Bible, Elizabeth Lloyd, . . . 

Children's Voices, Sara 31. Ch'tfield, . . 

Jesus Loves Me, E. C. and L. J. Book, 

If you Want to be Loved, . . . . Clara J. Denton, . . 

The Little Motto Bearers, . . . Sue S. 31orton, . . . 

The New Sunday-school Scholar, 3Irs. 31. Ella Cornell, 

Honor TLy Father and Thy 

Mother, Clara J. Denton, . . 

Naaman, the Leper, Mrs. L. 31. Willis, . 

Where Shall we Find God ? . . Edith Willis Linn, . 



PAGE 

7 
9 
24 
27 
31 
35 
43 
47 
51 

64 

70 
71 

76 
76 
79 

80 

82 

85 
88 
93 



VI 



CONTENTS. 



The Tree of Spiritual Blessings, . Mrs. M. Ella Cornell, 

An Easter Service, Olara J. Denton, . 

Count Me, E. Murray, . . . 

Cities of the Bible, Lizzie M. Hadley, . 

A Little Child Shall Lead Them, Mrs. L. M. Willis, 

Help for my Sisters, Clara J. Denton, . 

Sunday-school Acrostic, . . . . E. C. and L. J. Rook 
While Shepherds Watched, . . Clara J. Denton, . 
The Ten Commandments, . . . Lizzie M. Hadley, . 
Doom of King Alcohol, 



The Ocean of Life, . 
Star Exercise, . . . 
Thanksgiving, . . . 
The Easter Wreath, 
Christmas Exercise, . 
New Year's Exercise, 
™hichPath? . . . 
Temperance Alphabet, 
Easter Exercise, . . 



. Clara J. Denton, 

. Laura Hose, . . 

, Lizzie M. Hadley, 
E. C. and L. J. Book, 
Clara J. Denton, . 

, Lizzie M. Hadley, . 

, Lizzie M. Hadley, . 
Mrs. E. J. Goodfellow, 
Elizabt th Lloyd, . 

, Lizzie M. Hadley, 



PAttE 

97 
101 
108 
111* 
118 
120 
124 
127 
132. 
138 
140 
141 
146 
148 
153 
159 
166 
170 
177 



^unday-^ch 00 ! an( ^ (^htirch 



ENTERTAINMENTS. 



OUR ANNIVERSARY. 

An opening address. 

Another year has passed away 
With all its mercies and its joys, 

Again we meet, a cheerful throng 
Of merry girls and happy boys. 

This year has been like one long chain 
Made up of gratitude and love, 

Each day a link to bind us close 
To friends on earth and God above. 

For not a pupil can have heard, 

Each Sabbath day throughout the year, 

His teacher's fond and faithful words 
And turned to them a heedless ear. 

7 



OUR ANNIVERSARY. 

No ; God has blessed the efforts made 
By teachers who have faithful been, 

And joy has swelled the angels' songs 
O'er souls redeemed and saved from sin. 

But yet, perchance, some teacher here 
Looks sadly on some bright young face, 

Which she has longed and prayed to see 
Transfigured by the Saviour's grace. 

Cheer up, dear heart, your prayers are heard, 
Your labor shall not be in vain ; 

The souls for which you've toiled and prayed 
Shall cleansed be from every stain. 

For God is faithful, God is true, 

His promise should your faith inspire ; 

Then labor on, and precious souls 
Shall be the portion of your hire. 

Thank God, I say, for Sunday-schools, 
Thank God for teachers kind and true, 

Thank God for their devoted zeal ; 
May He build up their faith anew. 

We welcome teachers, scholars, friends, 
Who now have met to sing and pray, 

And may we meet our friends to greet 
On many an Anniversary Day. 

Mrs. M. Ella Cornell. 



PROM CAPTIVITY TO POWER. 9 

FROM CAPTIVITY TO POWER. 

A drama in five short acts, interspersed with tableaux. 

CHARACTERS REPRESENTED. 

Jacob, Asher, 

Joseph, The Other Five Brothers, 

Reuben, Pharaoh, 

Judah, Keeper op the Prison, 

Dan, Egyptian Servant, 

Naphtali, Courtiers, Servants, 

Gad, Ministers of Pharaoh, Etc. 

Act I. 

Scene. — Before the tents of Jacob, Several large tents 
in the background. 

COSTUMES. 

Jacob.— A long, loose robe of white confined at the waist by a girdle. 
Over this a flowing, wide-sleeved robe of dark material, the front open, 
and displaying the white under-garment. Sandals on the feet. A turban 
of white cloth wound many times about the head is worn. The ends are 
tied together at the back and fall down on the shoulders. A staff in the 
hand. 

Joseph. — A white, full, but sleeveless garment, reaching some distance 
below the knees. Over this a loosely made, wide-sleeved coat of bright 
plaid, girded very loosely. It should show two or three inches of the 
white garment. Sandals on the feet ; flesh-colored stockings fitting 
tightly. Head bare. This character should bear the appearance of 
youth. 

Joseph's Brethren.— Loosely made garments of sheepskin, the wool 
side out, reaching several inches below the knee. Leather belts should 
confine these loosely at the waist. Leather wallets must be slung by 
straps over the shoulders. Leggings of sheepskin, and sandals on the 
feet; arms bare. On the heads turbans, like that worn by Jacob. 

[Enter Dan (R.) Gad (£.). Meet ((7.).] 
Dan. — O, my brother, heardst thou the news the 
stripling Joseph hath brought unto Jacob, our father? 



10 FROM CAPTIVITY TO POWER. 

Gad. — As my soul liveth, it is a meddlesome stripling 
at best. 

Dan. — But lo ! where cometh thy brother and mine. 
[Enter (J?.) Naphtali and Asher.~\ 

Naphtali. — How now,, brethren, why linger ye here? 
Come, we must away to our flocks. ( Turning to go.) 

Gad. — Nay, tarry thou yet a little while, and hear 
the report of our brother. Surely it is of Joseph he 
would speak. 

Naphtali {standing still). — Joseph ! 

Asher. — Joseph ! and what of the lad? 

Dan. — An evil report did he bring of us to the ears 
of our father, Jacob. 

Gad. — And did thereby increase for himself the love 
of our father ? 

Asher. — Thou sayest well, and so long as the lad liv. 
eth no favor shall his brethren find in the eyes of their 
father. 

Naphtali. — Peace, peace. Behold, the stripling cometh. 
[ The four brothers gather closely together, frown, and look 
angry. Miter Joseph (£.).] 

Joseph. — I thought my brethren had departed with 
their flocks. 

Naphtali. — And left thee alone to steal from us the 
heart of our father ? 

Joseph (gently). — Kay, my brother, thou knowest 
thou speakest falsely. But peace, listen. Again have I 
dreamed a strange dream. Behold, the sun and the 
moon and the eleven stars made obeisance to me. 

Gad (laughing scornfully). — Mark ye, my brethren, 
mark ye. 

Asher (to the brothers). — Worse than the other by 
far, worse than the dream of the sheaves. 



FROM CAPTIVITY TO POWER. 11 

Naphtali. — Shall we kneel to thee ? (Bows mockingly.) 

Dan. — Come, let us away, lest he bring us all low on 
our faces before him. \They go out (R.), looking back at 
him frowning, and shaking their heads threateningly. Jo- 
seph ( C.) looks after them sorrowfully. Enter Jacob (£.)•] 

Jacob. — Joseph, my son ! 

Joseph {turning). — O, my father, my father. (Runs 
to him, falls on his knees, and buries his face in his 
hands.) 

Jacob. — What vexeth thee, O son of my heart ? 

Joseph (rising and controlling himself). — It is but a 
little thing, and I am but a child, indeed. Let me not 
trouble the heart of my father. 

Jacob. — But thy brethren, have they gone hence with 
their flocks ? 

Joseph. — Yea, my father, they went even as thou 
drewest nigh. 

Jacob. — And thou didst grieve to go with them ? 
Truly, a selfish father is thine, but my soul yearneth 
after thee when thou art gone from beneath my eyes. 
Yet let not thy heart be downcast ; peradventure before 
many weeks shall pass I will give thee leave to go and 
visit thy brothers and bring me word again of their 
well-being. 

Joseph (falling on his knees again). — O, my father, 
give me thy blessing, for my heart is heavy. 

Jacob (raising his right hand and looking up). — And 
now, may the God of my fathers, Abraham, and Isaac, 
bless thee and keep thee, and may the Lord watch 
between me and thee when we are absent one from 
another. 

[Tableau, lasting one minute. Joseph rises and goes out 
slowly without looking back (i?.)-] 



12 FROM CAPTIVITY TO POWER. 

Jacob {looking after him). — Beloved child of my lost 
Rachel, coming to me hourly with the same tender 
countenance, truly, my soul yearneth after him. 
Exit within one of the tents. 

(Curtain.; 

Act II. 

Scene. — The same as in the previous act, except that the 
number and size of the tents should be reduced. Cos- 
tumes the same with the addition of crooks for the 
brothers. The ten brothers are discovered grouped care- 
lessly. 

Dan (pointing with his crook). — Behold ! if my eyes 
deceive me not, yonder cometh our brother, the dreamer. 

Gad (starting forward and looking [i£.]). — As my soul 
liveth, thou art right. Come, let us slay him, then shall 
he no longer trouble us. 

Asher. — Thou say est well. 

Reuben (aside). — Woe for the child, since these con- 
spire against him. But, surely I may save him. ( To the 
others.) Let us not shed the blood of the lad. We will 
cast him into yonder pit, then shall not his blood be 
upon us and our children. 

Naphtali. — The words of our brother are wise. 

[Joseph enters (i?.). The ten rush toward him. Dan, 
Gad, Naphtali, and Asher lay hold of him, while all cry 
loudly and in derision : "Ho, thou dreamer ! ho, thou 
dreamer /"] 

Gad. — Now will we see what becomes of thy dreams. 

Asher. — Henceforth shalt thou trouble us not. (Be- 
gins to tear off his coat of many colors.) 



FROM CAPTIVITY TO POWER. 13 

Joseph. — Stay your hands! O, my brethren ; surely, 
no ill have I done unto you ! 

Nap Mali. — Let thy mouth cease its pleading words. 
Thou dealest not now with the soft heart of our father. 

Dan (tearing the coat quite off from Joseph and throw- 
ing it down). — Come now, we will take thee. 

Joseph. — O, my brethren ! my brethren ! spare me, 
spare the child of thy father ! 

[The four drag him out (L.),the others following hastily, 
Reuben alone remaining.'] 

Reuben. — When they are out of the way, lo, I will 
straightway rescue the child, for without him surely our 
father's heart must break. And, indeed, he is but a 
harmless lad in whom my own heart delighteth. 

[Enter (J?.) Dan, Asher, Gad, and Naphtali, Dan 
carrying the coat of many colors. Exit Reuben (i?.) 
hastily without noticing the coat.'] 

Dan. — Come, my brethren, let us make haste and kill 
a kid of the goats and dip this coat of our brother's 
into the blood thereof. 

Asher. — Then will our father say, surely an evil beast 
hath fallen upon my son Joseph, and hath devoured him. 

Oad. — Then no more shall his dreams annoy us. 

Naphtali. — Nor his presence vex us. 

[Enter Judah (R.) Moves toward one of the tents, 
pausing as he reaches it, and raises the curtain.] 

Judah. — Ho ! my brethren, shall we not make a feast, 
that we may now together eat, drink, and be merry ? 

Dan. — Yea, since Joseph is destroyed. 

Asher. — And his dreaming ended. 

Gad. — And he is cast out of our sight forever. 

Naphtali. — And we shall never bow down unto him, 
as his vain imaginings hath foretold. 



14 FROM CAPTIVITY TO POWER. 

Judah (dropping curtain, looking off and pointing}. — 
Behold yonder Midianites journeying to a far country. 
Great gain can we get if we sell the child for a slave, for 
he is goodly and well favored. 

The others all together. — 'Tis well, 'tis well. 

NaphtalL — Let us make haste, then, and bring Joseph 
from the pit, that they may look upon him ; thus shall it 
profit us greatly. 

Judah. — Yes, come. {Going.) 

NaphtalL — Yes, for lo, the camels draw near. 
( Going.) 

[Exeunt running (L.) Enter the other five brothers 
hurrying (J?.) .] 

First Brother. — They are taking him from the pit ; 
they will sell him to the Ishmaelites yonder, and get 
much profit. Come, that we may share in it. 

[Exeunt running (L.). Enter Reuben (i?.).] 

Reuben (slowly and reflectively). — Where is the lad 
Joseph ? But a little way did I go with the flocks, and 
behold, when I am come again, the child is not in the 
pit. Surely no ill has befallen him. But where can 
my brothers be ? I fear it meaneth ill that they too 
are gone. Truly, they are all stubborn and stiff-necked 
sons of a righteous father. O, thou God of my fathers, 
who hearest Thy children in the day of their peril, keep 
Thou the child Joseph from ill. 

[Enter all the other brothers, talking and arguing among 
themselves^] 

Naphtali (advancing to Reuben). — Rejoice with us, O 
my brother. Behold, these two silver pieces for thee 
(offers the coins), for each of us two likewise ; and all 
from the sale of the babbling Joseph. Was it not a wise 
bargain ? 



FROM CAPTIVITY TO POWER. 15 

Reuben (hitting his brother's hand hard, causing the 
coins to fall to the ground). — O, woe is me, woe is me. 
What have ye done with the child ? And how shall we 
come before Jacob, our father ? O, woe, woe, woe ! 

Dan (angrily}. — Cease thy wailing. The stripling 
was but nn idle dreamer of dreams. 

Reuben. — O, woe, woe, woe ! 

Gad. — Come, we must kill a kid, and besmear the 
coat of our brother, then shall our father know some 
evil beast hath fallen upon him. 

Reuben. — O, evil ones, surely the tongue of Reuben 
shall betray all of your unrighteousness. 
\_They all gather about him, and menace him with their 
crooks, shouting, " Beware, beware, if thou dost"^\ 

Reuben (stopping his ears). — O, woe is me, woe is me! 
Exit running (i?.). 

Dan. — Come, my brethren, the day waneth ; let us 
hasten and kill the kid ere the night falleth. 
Exeunt (R.). 
(Curtain.) 

At the close of Act Second, curtain rises for the follow- 
ing tableau : 

"bringing Joseph's coat to jacob." 

Costumes the same ; tents in the background ; Jacob in 
centre of the stage with uplifted hands and an expression 
of horror and woe ; the four brothers, Dan, Naphtali, Gad, 
and Asher, grouped together in the foreground, Dan dis- 
playing the blood-stained coat; also in the foreground, 
directly behind Dan, Reuben crouched in a heap on the 
floor of the stage, his face buried in his hands ; the other 
brothers grouped at the right, wearing expressions of 
triumph. (Curtain.) 



16 FROM CAPTIVITY TO POWER. 



Act III. 

Scene. — The corridor of a prison. The stage should be 
bare and in a state of semi-darkness. 

COSTUMES FOR THIS ACT. 

Joseph.— A loose, white, wide-sleeved garment, reaching to the ankles 
and loosely confined at the waist by a long, wide,' scarlet sash ; head and 
feet as before, bnt a beard should be added to the face. 

Keeper op the Prison.— Dress similar to Joseph's, but on his head a 
small turban of white with a narrow band reaching around the head ; 
from this band, beginning a little in front of the ears, a straight border, 
also of white, falls to the shoulders. 

Egyptian Servant.— A tight-fitting tunic and short skirt of scarlet, the 
latter edged with a deep fringe ; long and fall white trousers ; on the feet 
are worn sandals ; plain turban of scarlet with a tight, close-fitting piece 
covering the back of the head and another coming down in front of the 
ears and fitting tightly over the chin, but with an opening cut out expos- 
ing the other features. 

Enter Keeper of the Prison (i?.) and speaks : 

By Isis, I did well in setting this Hebrew over the 
prisoners, but much my heart feareth deliverance may 
speedily come to him unless this meddlesome servant's 
mouth be stopped. Ah ! he comes 

Enter Servant (L.) 

Servant — My lord, thou didst send for me. 

Keeper, — Even so. I would hear more fully concern- 
ing this matter of the Hebrew. Thou sayest he is inno- 
cent. 

Servant — My lord, I know that he is innocent of all 
that with which he is charged. 

Keeper. — Art sure ? 

Servant — Yea, my lord. 

Keeper. — Wherefore ? 

Servant — O, my lord, behold, I did stand behind 
the fountain in the court-yard unseen by all eyes, and 



FROM CAPTIVITY TO POWER. 17 

my ears did hear all that passed between my mistress 
and the Hebrew ; he is innocent, my lord. 

Keeper. — Wherefore hast thou so long kept silence? 

Servant — Behold, the anger of my master was kin- 
dled against the Hebrew and I have feared all these 
weeks to speak aught in his favor. 

Keeper. — To whom hast thou unfolded thy knowledge? 

Servant. — To none save thyself. 

Keeper. — Keep it, then, as thou hast done hitherto, 
lest some ill befall thee because of the matter. [ Gives 
him coins.] Lo, here is silver for thee ; now, let these 
words that thou hast spoken be secret between me and 
thee. Heedest thou ? 

Servant. — Yea, my lord, it shall be even as thou say- 
est. (Bows and exit.) 

Keeper. — By the god Neith, I knew him for an inno- 
cent man, yet must I keep him near me ; truly is he 
useful unto me. \Enter Joseph.'] May the great Osiris 
smile upon thee ! 

Joseph. — And may the God of my fathers keep thee ! 

Keeper. — Hast been thy rounds ? 

Joseph. — Yea, and found two men of sad spirit in 
ward. 

Keeper. — Are not all prisoners so ? 

Joseph. — Yea; but lo, these men have dreamed 
strange dreams. 

Keeper. — Are they men of honor? 

Joseph. — They are the baker and the butler of the 
mighty King Pharaoh, and for small offenses are they 
in ward. 

Keeper. — That is ill indeed. 

Joseph. — And their souls were heavy with the strange 
dreams that came unto them. 
2 



18 FROM CAPTIVITY TO POWER. 

Keeper. — Could no man be found to interpret their 
dreams unto them? Wise and learned are the magi- 
cians of Egypt if they desire them to come unto 
them. 

Joseph. — But, behold, the God of my fathers was with 
me, and did reveal unto me the interpretation of their 
dreams, and so, delivered I it unto them. 

Keeper. — And what didst thou exact in return? 

Joseph. — Only of the butler, that when he is again 
restored to his place behind the King's chair, which 
shall be in three days, that he will remember me, thus 
so unjustly held in captivity. 

Keeper. — But kings' servants have short memories. 

Joseph. — Then will the God of my fathers keep me, as 
hitherto. 

Keeper. — By Isis! 'tis a great trust thou possesseth. 
Exit. 

Joseph (clasping his hands and looking up). — O, Thou 
God of my fathers, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, hear 
my prayer and let my cry come unto Thee. Lo, these 
many years of my slavery have I called upon Thee, 
that again my eyes might behold the faces of my father 
Jacob and the child Benjamin, whom my soul loveth. 
O, hear Thou me, and bring my feet again in safety out 
of the snare in which they have been set. 

( Tableau.) 
(Curtain.) 

Act IV. 

[Scene. — Pharaoh on his throne surrounded by cour- 
tiers, servants, ministers, etc., as many as the stage limits 



FROM CAPTIVITY TO POWER. 10 

will allow. Much display must surround this scene. 
Velvet divans, handsome rugs, strips of elegant carpet, 
etc., etc. 

COSTUMES. 

Joseph.— The same as in the last act. 

Pharaoh.— A flowing white garment, very full, and reaching to the 
feet, heavily covered down the front with yellow embroidery or some- 
thing simulating it A wide sash of scarlet silk tied loosely around 
the waist, the ends heavily embroidered and reaching to the feet. A 
scarlet silk turban rising high on the head and elaborately trimmed. 
A band of gilt embroidery about the head, falling from the band a 
little in front of the ears, a border of scarlet silk ; this should reach to the 
shoulders. The corners should be folded back in the form of Fevers; 
these revers should be heavily trimmed. Yellow silk cord may be used 
in trimming this costume, with fine effect. "Many heavy gold chains 
about the neck and across the breast, several heavy gold bracelets on 
each arm. 

Courtiers and Ministers.— Dress similar to that of Pharaoh, although 
much less elaborate and without the chains, bracelets, and other decora- 
tions. Head dress low and flat, the border not turned back, and but 
lightly trimmed. 

Servant.— As in last act. 



[Pharaoh and his court discovered. Pharaoh sitting on his 
throne.'] 

Pharaoh. — Has the man of whom my butler told me 
been called ? 

Servant. — Yea, my lord King, and, behold he Com- 
eth. 

[Enter Joseph.] 

Pharaoh. — Art thou he who interpreteth dreams ? 

Joseph. — I am he unto whom, two full years ago, the 
God of my fathers did reveal the meaning of the dreams 
of thy servants, the butler and baker. 

Pharaoh. — Behold, I, Pharaoh, have also dreamed a 
dream, which I will that thou interpret unto me. 

Joseph. — It is not in me. God shall give Pharaoh an 
answer of peace. 



20 FROM CAPTIVITY TO TOWER. 

Pharaoh — Give thou ear unto mc. Behold, I stood 
by the river, and there came up seven fat kine, and 
after them seven lean kine, and the seven lean kine did 
cat the seven fat kine. And after that I saw seven 
cars of corn come up full and good on one stalk, and, 
behold, seven thin ears sprang up after them and de- 
voured them. Interpret this now T for me. 

Joseph. — Behold, the dream of the King is one. The 
seven good kine and the seven good ears are seven years 
of plenty, and the seven lean kine and the seven thin 
ears are the seven years of famine that shall follow. 
Behold, the God of all the earth hath showed the King 
what He is about to do. And He will shortly bring it 
to pass. Therefore let Pharaoh look out a wise man to 
set over Egypt, and let him build storehouses and 
gather food from those good years and fill the store- 
houses therewith, that when the famine cometh the 
land perish not. 

Pharaoh (rising). — Thy saying pleaseth me well. 
( To those about him :) What say ye ? 

Courtiers (all together). — The words of the Hebrew 
are wise and good. 

Pharaoh. — And can we find another so wise as he, 
since the God of all the earth is wdth him, to guide 
him? 

Courtiers (all together). — Surely there is none other 
like unto him. 

Pharaoh (to servant). — Ho, there ! haste thee, now. 
Bring fine raiment for this man, and a gold chain for 
his neck. [Exit servant, running.] Forlo, I will make 
him ruler over all Egypt, [He takes a ring from his 
finger, descends from the throne, and taking Joseph's hand, 
puts the ring upon if] And by this sign I do set thee 



FROM CAPTIVITY TO POWER. 21 

over the land. Only in the throne shall I be above 

thee. From henceforth thy name shall be Zaphnath- 

paaneah. I am Pharaoh, and my mouth hath spoken 

it. 

[Enter servant bearing the white robes thrown over his 

arm. He stands near Joseph, extending the chain toward 

Pharaoh.'] 

( Tableau?) 

(Curtain.) 

Reading before the curtain of the fifty-sixth and fifty-sev- 
enth verses of the forty-first chapter of Genesis, and ike 
first twenty four verves of the forty-second chapter. 

Curtain rises at close of reading after Act I V for the fol- 
lowing tableau. 

THE TEN BRETHREN BEFORE JOSEPH. THE BINDING 
OF SIMEON. 

COSTUMES. 

Joseph.— Similar to that of Pharaoh in last act, a trifle less elaborate. 
Bead dress a little lower and without revers. 
Servant.— As before. 
Tns Tex Brethren.— Dresses similar to that of Jacob in first act. 

Scene. — The same as in last act, save that the throne of 
Pharaoh is removed. Joseph stands on the dais, his 
face half averted, an expression of sternness upon it, 
the hands outstretched in an attitude of repulsion. 
The nine brethren prostrated before him. In the fore- 
ground near (i?.) entrance, Simeon bound wilh ropes, 
the servant dragging him away. 
(Curtain.) 



22 FROM CAPTIVITY TO TOWER. 

Act V. 

[Scene. — Tlie same as last tableau.'] 

COSTUMES.— The same. 

Eater Joseph (i?.), Servant (L.). 

Joseph (eagerly). — Didst put the cup as I com- 
manded ? 

Servant. — Yea, my lord. 

Joseph. — In the sack of the youngest ? 

Servant. — Yea, my lord. 

Joseph. — And didst thou then follow after them? 

Servant. — Even so did thy servant. 

Joseph. — And found the cup still in the sack of the 
youngest ? 

Servant. — Even so was it all done, my lord. 

Joseph. — And didst speak to them roughly ? 

Servant. — Yea, my lord, most roughly, 

Joseph. — And now — (eagerly). 

Servant. — Behold, they wait my lord's pleasure without. 

Joseph. — Bring them hither. [Exit servant Joseph 
ascends the dais, arranges his robes about his feet, and 
otherwise adjusts his apparel, then stands silent a moment, 
waiting ; enter servant, followed by the brethren, who walk 
tvith bowed heads and bend low before Joseph.] 

Joseph (sternly). — What evil deed is this that ye have 
done ? Is it thus that ye reward evil for the good done 
unto ye ? 

Judah (advances and prostrates himself). — What shall 
we say unto my lord ? Behold, we are all my lord's ser- 
vants, to-do as seemeth good unto him. 

Joseph. — Nay, far be it from me to do that thing, but 
the man in whose hand the cup was found, he shall be 
my servant ; #nd as for ye, get ye up in peace unto your 
father. 



FROM CAPTIVITY TO POWER. 23 

Judah (coming closer and kneeling on the lower step oj 
the dais). — 0, my lord, listen unto the words of thy ser- 
vant. Behold, this, our brother Benjamin, within whose 
sack my lord's cup was found, is the son whom our 
lather loveth. Didst thou not say unto us, " Go bring 
your younger brother that I may prove ye true men?" 
We brought him unto my lord, and, lo, this evil hath 
come upon us. But I, thy servant, did become unto 
our father Jacob a surety for the return of our brother 
Benjamin, and 0, my lord, if thy servants should return 
without him, our father will surely die, therefore let me 
abide with thee and be thy servant forever, lest our 
father be bereft of two sons, for Joseph, as thy servants 
did before say unto thee, is not. 

Joseph (much affected). — O, my brethren, my breth- 
ren, arise and come unto me. Arise, arise, I say unto 
you. \They rise.] Lo ! I, even I, am Joseph whom ye 
sold into bondage. \They stand transfixed and stare 
silently.'] Yet, be not grieved, for God did raise me up 
to preserve your lives. And thou, Benjamin, beloved 
of my soul, child of my mother. 

\JIe descends from the dais ; Benjamin advances; they 

throw their arms about each other ; the others close around 

them in a half-circle."] 

(Tableau.) 

(Curtain.) 

Curtain rises for final tableau. Jacob blessing Pha- 
raoh. Scene the same as in Act IV. Costumes as before 
described ; Pharaoh kneeling at the foot of the dais; 
Jacob before him, one hand laid on his head, the other 
upraised, eyes uplifted. 

(Curtain.) 

Clara J. Denton. 



24 CASTING BREAD UPON THE WATEKS. 

CASTING BREAD UPON THE WATERS. 

A recitation for two little girls. 

First GirL — 

"Cast thy bread upon the water, 
And after many days 
It shall return to thee again ;" 
That's what the Bible says. 

• Now, tell me, if I were to throw 
Some bread into the sea, 
And stand for days along the shore, 
Would it come back to me? 

Why, I should think that it would float 

So far upon the tide 
That it would be forever lost 

Upon the ocean wide. 

I've thought so much about this thing, 

And, really, I can't see 
How bread upon the waters cast 

Could e'er come back to me. 

Now, if you know, will you explain, 
Why thus the Preacher said: — 
"Go, cast upon the waters wild, 

And back shall come your bread." 

Second GirL — 

Once, not so very long ago, 
I was puzzled much like you ; 



CASTING BRKAD UPON THE WATERS. 25 

So to my mamma straight I went 
And asked: "Can this be true?" 

She told me then that rice is used 

In Eastern lands for bread, 
And now, to make the meaning clear, 

I'll tell you all she said. 

You know, rice grows where soil is wet ; 

And so, to gain their crop, 
They 'neath the water plow the ground, 

And sow the rice on top, 

Which then sinks down into the earth, 

And so is lost to view, 
Till after very many days 
. The rice springs up anew. 

Now, if through lack of faith, they did 

Refuse to sow the grain, 
You see they could not have their bread 

Brought back to them again. 

First Girl. — 

O yes, I see, but why to us 

Are these words often said? 
We do not thus sow wheat or corn 
Of which we make our bread. 

Second Girl. — 

But, see, the Preacher tried to teach 

The people of that clime, 
That as they sowed the seed for bread 
And waited harvest-time, 



26 CASTING BREAD UPON THE WATERS. 

So they must sow good deeds alway, 
With cheerful, happy mind, 

And calmly and with patience wait 
Their deeds returned in kind. 

And don't you see, he taught that faith 

Is needed all our days, 
To win the bread that perishes, 

And that which ne'er decays? 

First Girl — 

O yes; that's really plain enough, 

So we must good deeds cast 
Upon the river of our life 

While life itself shall last. 

Second Girl. — 

Yes ; that's the very lesson 

The verse was meant to teach ; 
And that's the very sermon 

The Preacher meant to preach. 

MRS. E. J. (JrOODFELLOW. 



BUILDING THE LADDER. 



27 



Grace. 



Meekness. 



Patience. 



Purity. 



Truth. 



Courage. 



Self-denial. 



BUILDING THE LADDER. 

The sides of the ladder should be two stout poles, either made to stand 
upright or placed leaning against the wall facing the audience ; they 
should have hooks or nails for the rounds to rest upon ; the rounds may 
be made of thin board or stiff pasteboard, with the name plainly printed 
on each. 

[Enter two pupils bearing the sides 
of the ladder, which they place in 
position.'] 

First Voice. — When Jacob went 
out from Beersheba and slept with 
a stone for his pillow, he dreamed 
that he saw a ladder set up on the 
earth and the top of it reached to 
heaven. If we would ever reach 
the heaven which Jacob saw in his 
dream, we must each of us climb up 
to it on a ladder of our own build- 
ing ; the sides of this ladder are : 
" Faith in God ;" the rounds are 
the good works which we do from day to day. The two 
must go together ; " faith without works " is like a ladder 
without rounds, and works without faith are as worth- 
less as the rounds of a ladder without anything to sup- 
port them. 
Second Voice. — 

" Heaven is not gained at a single bound, 

But we build the ladder by which we rise 

From the lowly earth to the vaulted skies, 

And we mount to its summit round by round." 

[Exeunt.'] 

[Enter two pupils, who place the first round — Love.] 

Firjt Voice. — When Jesus of Nazareth was upon earth, 



Love. 



28 BUILDING THE LADDER. 

teaching men the way of life, He said : " Thou shalt love 
the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy 
strength, and with all thy mind. This is the first and 
great commandment. And the second is like unto it ; 
Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself." 
Second Voice. — 

" I hold that Christian grace abounds 
Where charity is seen ; 
That when we climb to heaven, 'tis on the rounds 
Of love to men." 

\JExeunk~] 
[Enter two, who place the second round — Self-denial.'] 
First Voice. — The beginning of a Christian life is 
love to God and man ; whoever has his heart full of 
love finds it easy to prefer others before himself; he is 
ready for the second great step which Jesus has ''shown 
us : " If any man will come after me, let him deny him- 
self, and take up his cross and follow me." 
Second Voice. — 

" St. Augustine, well hast thou said 
That of our vices we can frame 
A ladder, if we will but tread 

Beneath our feet each deed of shame." 
First Voice. — 

" I hold it true with him who sings, 
To one clear harp in divers tones, 
That men may rise on stepping-stones 
Of their dead selves to higher things." 
[Exeunt] 
[Enter two, who place the third round — Courage.'] 
First Voice. — No one can be a true Christian who is 
not truly brave ; even Peter, when he trusted in his own 
strength alone, was a coward, and denied his Master. If 



BUILDING THE LADDER. 29 

thou wouldst do tliy dul y at all times, " Wait on tlie Lord ; 
be of good courage, and He shall strengthen thine heart." 
Second Voice, — Fear nothing, except to do wrong. 
Pray each day for strength to do the work, and resist 
the temptations which that day may bring. A hero is 
one who meets his duty face to face and does it, let it 
cost him what it will. 

[_Exeunt~\ 
[Enter two, ivho place the fourth round — Truth.] 
First Voice. — " Lord, who shall abide in Thy taber- 
nacle? Who shall dwell in Thy holy hill? He that 
walketh uprightly, and worketh righteousness, and 
speaketh the truth in his heart." 
Second Voice. — 

" This above all — to thine own self be true, 
And it must follow as the night the day, 
Thou canst not then be false to any man." 

\_Exeunt.~\ 
[Enter two, bearing the fifth round — Purity.'] 
First Voice, — " Blessed are the pure in heart, for they 
shall see God." 

" Let no man despise thy youth ; but be thou an ex- 
ample of the believers, in word, in conversation, in 
charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity." 
Second Voice. — 
" The thing most specious cannot stead the true ; 

Who would appear clean must be clean all through." 

[Exeunt.] 

[Enter two, bearing sixth round — Patience.] 

, First Voice. — The way to heaven seems very long 

sometimes, but having heard the word let us keep it, 

and " bring forth fruit w 7 ith patience." 

" They also serve who only stand and wait." 



30 BUILDING THE LADDER. 

Second Voice. — 

" Let us be content, in work, 
To do the thing we can, and not presume 
To fret because 'tis little." 
[Exeunt'] 
[Enter two, bearing seventh round — Meekness."] 
First Voice. — " Take my yoke upon you, and learn of 
me; for I am meek and lowly in heart; and ye shall 
find rest unto your souls. ,, 

"Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the 
earth." 
Second Voice. — 

" Rugged strength and radiant beauty, 
These were one in nature's plan, 
Humble toil and heavenward duty, 
These will form the perfect man." 
[Exeunt] 
[Enter two, bearing the top round — Grace.] 
First Voice. — When we try to do our best from day 
to day, we still feel that " we have left undone those 
things which we ought to have done and have done 
those things which we ought not to have done." We 
need grace, " whereby we may serve God acceptably 
with reverence and godly fear." 
Second Voice. — 

" All common good has common price, 
Exceeding good exceeding ; 
Christ bought the keys of Paradise 

By cruel bleeding. 
And every soul that wins a place 

Upon those hills of pleasure, 
Must give its all, and beg for grace 
To fill the measure." 

[Exeunt] Elizabeth Lloyd. 



SOME CHILDREN OF THE BIBLE. 31 

SOME CHILDREN OF THE BIBLE. 

For six children. 

Firht Speaker. — 

I know of a child — a godly young child — 

Who was given in answer to prayer ; 
In his earliest days he shunned sinful ways, 

And walked with the upright and fair. 
He was favored of men and favored of God, 

And to him the Lord did appear, 
And He called him by name ; his answer was this : 

" Speak, Lord, for Thy servant doth hear." 

4ft— 

Ah ! yes, 'twas Samuel. May we too 

Say boldly, without fear, 
When we are called, as Samuel was, 

" Speak, Lord, Thy servants hear." 
Second Speaker. — 

A little girl but twelve years old 

Lay on a bed of pain ; 
Alas ! it seemed to those who watched 

She ne'er would rise again. 
Her father, who, with sorrowing heart 

Watched each faint, feeble breath, 
Bethought him then of One whose power 

Could conquer even death. 
To Him he ran in eager haste, 

And falling at His feet, 
" Come, lay Thy hands upon my child, 

I earnestly entreat." 
But ere the ruler's house was reached 

The little child was dead. 
" Be not afraid — only believe," 

Was all the Master said. 



32 SOME CHILDREN OF THE BIBLE. 

And now behold a miracle 

Which filled them with surprise ; 
He took the damsel's hand, and said, 

" I say to thee — arise." 
And at these words from lips divine, 

The maid, obedient, rose. 
{To the class:) 
Now which of you who hear me, can 

The maiden's name disclose ? 
Third Speaker. — 

The story you have made so plain 

That one and all can see ; 
'Twas Jairus' daughter raised from death. 

Now listen unto me : 
My story is about a babe, 

Who many days was hid, ' 
Because a bold Egyptian King 

Had wickedly decreed 
That every Hebrew baby boy 

Should at its birth be drowned ; 
And so the mother of this child 

To save her baby, found 
That she must hide him from her sight ; 

And straightway then she made 
A bulrush ark, and in its depth 

The precious baby laid. 
King Pharaoh's daughter found the child 

And took him as her own. 
My story's done. What was his name ? 

Please make the answer known. 
All— 

His name was Moses, given him 

By Pharaoh's own fair daughter 



SOME CHILDREN OF THE BIBLE. 33 

A name which clearly signifies, 
" Drawn from out the water." 

Fourth Speaker. — 

The child of the Bible 

Of whom I speak now, 
To an early death came 

By a father's rash vow. 
From conquest returning 

He was met by his child, 
And his clothing he rent 

In his agony wild; 
For he thought of the vow 

He had made to the Lord — 
If the children of Amnion 

He should conquer by sword, 
Whatsoe'er came to meet him 

At the close of the fight, 
He would give to the Lord, 

Let it be what it might. 
Now who was the daughter 

Who eagerly ran 
With timbrels to welcome 

The valorous man? 

Fifth Speaker. — 

'Twas the daughter of Jephthah 

(Her name is not known), 
Who for a rash vow 

With her life did atone. 
How many burnt offerings 

In those days were made 
Of lambs, bullocks, and kids ! — 

Thus homage was paid 



34 SOME CHILDREN OF THE BIBLE. 

To the Lord. How great was the faith 

Of those Patriarchs old ! 
For one aged servant 

(In the Bible we're told), 
Commanded by God 

To offer his son, 
Prepared for the altar 

His dearly loved one. 
But ere the fond father 

The fatal blow made, 
The Lord's voice commanded 

His hand to be stayed; 
And looking around 

In the thicket he found 
A ram for the offering, 

Which quickly w T as bound. 
How thankful that father ! 

The test had not failed : 
His faith had been tried, 

And it grandly prevailed. 
All— 

Here is the altar, the wood and the fire ; 

But where is the lamb? we hear Isaac inquire. 
The Iamb for the sacrifice God will provide, 

The Patriarch, Abraham, calmly replied. 
Sixth Speaker. — 

When you hear my story 

I think you'll all agree 
That the dearest Bible character 

Is the one portrayed by me. 
The infant Babe of whom I speak, 

Had such a wondrous birth, 
That multitudes of Angels 

Proclaimed it on the earth 



SOME CHILDREN OF THE BIBLE. 35 

To a band of shepherds watching 

Their flocks of sheep by night, 
Who rose and journeyed — guided thence 

By one star's brilliant light. 
And when they came to Bethlehem, 

(Could anything be stranger?) 
They found the infant Saviour there, 

Cradled in a manger. 
And now on every Christmas Day 

We celebrate His birth, 
Because He brought good-will to men, 

And peace upon the earth. 
All (singing).— 

"there is no name." 
"There is no name so sweet on earth, 

No name so sweet in heaven — 
The name before His wondrous birth, 

To Christ, our Saviour given. 
We love to sing about our King, 

And hail Him blessed Jesus; 
For there's no word ear ever heard 

So dear, so sweet as Jesus." 

E. C. & L. J. Eook. 



ELIJAH AND THE RAIN. 

CHARACTERS. 

Elijah, Woman, 

Ahab, Boy, 

Nobles, Servant. 

Scene. 
A street in a city. On one side a tall, grave man in a 
rough , flowing, brown garment, bound with a leather 



36 ELIJAH AND THE RAIN. 

girdle, preaching to a troubled audience. Ahab, in 
rich trailing crimson robes, cashmere scarf, gold circlet, 
pointed in front, followed by three or four nobles 
in somewhat similar array, enters from the other 
side. 

Elijah. — 
Oh Israel, thou hast destroyed thyself, 
Darkness is on the land, and wickedness 
Is spreading like a plague-spot. Altars rise 
To Baal and to Moloch. Horrible 
The sins that curse the land. The priests lead on 
The evil people into lower depths. 
A very little while, and from the east 
Come the avengers. They shall smite and slay 
The mother with the children. 

Ahab (haughtily). — Who is this ? 

Noble (apologetically). — 
The prophet from the desert. May it please 
My lord to hasten onward. 

Ahab (stopping). — Stay awhile. 

Elijah (taking no notice of the King). — 
Woe, woe to Israel ! Woe to Ahab's house, 
For he hath sinned. Yea, sinned against the God 
Who saved his fathers. See ! the red blood runs 
And none shall stay its flood. 

Ahab (angrily). — Who is this man, 
That dares to curse my name before my face ? 

Second Noble. — 
Elijah is his name. None knows his tribe, 
Or whence he comes. 

Ahab. — See that ye silence him. 

Nobles go toward Elijah. 



ELIJAH AND THE RAIN. 37 

Elijah (disregarding them). — 
Look to the skies above you. They are brass. 
Look to the earth, for hard and dry, it glows 
As iron. Hark ! the threatened wrath has come. 
No rain shall fall, no dew refresh the land. 

Ahab (furious). — 
Why do you not obey me ? Silence him. 

Noble (to Elijah). — The King forbids your speak- 
ing. 

Elijah (speaking to the sky). — Listen ! Rain 
Fall not upon the land. Hearken, O clouds, 
Fly from the heavens. Too sinful is this land ; 
Leave it to ruin. 

Ahab (advancing). — Seize the man, I say. 

Third Noble (hesitating). — 
We dare not. What if he indeed be sent 
To warn us ? 

Ahab (sneering). — 

He is mad. The clouds will come 
And spring rains fall. Why need ye fear a fool ? 
Preachers may talk and prophets prophesy, 
But all things go on smoothly. 

Noble. — See ! he goes. 
[Elijah goes out. Ahab and Nobles go out on the other 

side.'] 



Act II. 

A city gate. A woman in loose blue dress, white square 
of cloth on her head and falling to her shoulders, 
gathering sticks ; a boy of eight, in short blue tunic, 
assisting her. The Prophet enters. 



38 ELIJAH AND THE RAIN. 

Elijah (in soliloquy). — 
I journey on my way. The way the Lord 
Appoints for me I am content to go. 
Where'er He leads, I follow. Let it be 
Cherith, Zarephath, or Samaria, 
Ahab nor Jezebel can touch my life, 
Nor famine slay me, till He wills that I 
Should leave the earth. Here are the city gates, 
A woman gathers sticks. This is the sign. 

( To the woman :■) 
I pray thee, fetch me water. I would drink, 
For I am weary with the long, hot day. 

Woman (courtesy ing). — 

I go to fetch it. We have water yet, 
If we have little else. I'll bring it soon. 

Boy (pulling his mother s sleeve). — 
Is this a prophet, such as Moses was, 
And Samuel and Nathan ? Will he stay, 
And let us hear him speak the wondrous 
Words they said of old ? 

Elijah (to the woman). — And bring me, too, I pray, 
Within thy hand a morsel small of bread ; 
My scrip is empty and the night is near. 

Woman (sobbing and wringing her hands). — 
Alas ! I speak the truth, I have no bread ; 
I sowed our last corn in our little field, 
And there it withered, parched and dry and dead. 

Boy (conjidentially to Elijah). — 
I watched the sky and counted all the clouds, 
And said the psalm our great King David sang : 
" Thou waterest the earth and makest it 
All soft, yea, soft with showers." But not a drop 
Of rain came down. 



ELIJAH AND THE RAIN. 39 

Elijah {gravely). — And know you why the earth 
Is thus like iron ; and why the skies above 
Are brass? — why the Lord refuses now 
To hear His people's prayers ? 

Boy {pointing eastward). — A prophet came 
From Gilead mountains, and commanded drought 
And famine in the land. 

Elijah (to the woman.)— And why ? The Lord 
Is full of tender mercy. 

Woman. — He is wrath. 
We have forsaken Him, 

Elijah. — Yes, he who leaves 
The ever-flowing spring of water pure 
For broken cisterns, cannot quench his thirst. 
And if a nation sins against the Lord, 
And self-willed, stiff-necked, goes an evil way, 
A father's love must punish. 

Woman (bowing her head). — Yea, 'tis just, 
And we have naught to answer. In a cruse 
I have a little oil, a little meal, 
A handful, in a barrel. With these sticks 

(Showing her arm full of wood). 
I go to cook it, that my son and I 
May eat it and then die. 

Elijah (re-assufingly). — Nay, do not fear, 
Go, do as thou hast said. Bring some to me. 
Who gives to those who need, gives to the Lord. 

Boy (to the Mother). — 
But when we've eaten that, who'll give to us 
More bread. 

Woman (hashing the boy) to Elijah. — 
Nay, I will do as thou hast said, 
Trusting in Israel's God. 



40 ELIJAH AND THE RAIN. 

Elijah (lifting his hand solemnly). — None ever trust 
In that great name in vain. Hear thou His word. 
Thy oil shall not be spent, thy meal not fail, 
Till He again shall send the rain on earth. 

[She goes out with the boy ; he follows,'] 

Act III. 

Several tents. A group of nobles, richly dressed in scarlet 
and crimson robes, long, loose sleeves, embroidered 
shawls worn as girdles. 

Enter servant in blue tunic, bowing profoundly. 

First Noble. — 
What do you think of this ? 

Second Noble. — I do not know. 
It was a great, grand sight to see the flash 
Of fire in the air; to see the flames j 

Blaze on the altar, burning up the stones 
Like so much chaff. 

First Noble. — 
And how much grander yet 
To see the people throw themselves down, down, 
Upon their faces, crying with one voice, 
Like thunder-roll: "The Lord, He is God ! 
The Lord, He is the God !" 

Second Noble. — Yet it may be 
The Queen will not be pleased to know the end 
Of this day's test. 

Servant (bowing in haste.). — 

Thus saith unto the King 
The prophet: "Get thee up! Go down! Make haste 
That the rain stop thee not." 

Third Noble (goes out to speak to Ahab). — 



ELIJAH AND TIIE RAIN. 41 

First Noble (astonished . — ■ 

The rain! What rain? 

Second Noble. — 
Three years have passed since there was any rain. 
The ground is baked to iron. Half the folk 
Are dead through famine. There is no hope of rain. 

First Noble. — 
What did the prophet say ? 

Servant. — He bids the King 
Haste that the rain — 

First Noble.— The rain? 

Fourth Noble (looking at the sky). — 

There's not a cloud. 

First Noble (looking up). — 
Yes; there's a cloud. 

Servant (pointing westward). — - 

Yea, o'er the sea there came 
Like to a hand — 

Second Noble (pointing eagerly). — 
Look up ! Yea, look ! The clouds 
Are gathering in the sky. 

Servant goes out. 

First Noble. — The sun is hid — 
Oh, blessed shadows ! Oh, thrice welcome clouds! 

(Starting.) 
That was the lightning! 

Fifth Noble (with lifted finger). — 

Hark, the thunder rolls! 

First Noble. — 
No ; 'tis the happy people crying loud 
Up to the coming clouds: " The Lord is God ! 
The Lord is God alone." 

Second Noble. — Flat on the ground, 



42 ELIJAH AND THE RAIN. 

Or with their arms upstrained, they watch the clouds, 
The great clouds, sweeping onward, shouting still: 
"Our fathers' God is Lord! — is Lord alone !" 
As if the clouds could hear them. 

Sixth Noble. — Nay, as if 
They knew the Lord of earth and heaven bent down 
From His high place, and drove the flying clouds 
Like great black horses bounding up the sky 
Before Him to their help. 

Second Noble (pointing with arms extended). — 
The skies are black 
From west to east. 

First Noble. — That is the thunder's roar. 

Second Noble. — 
The wind awakes ! Yes ; yes ! The Lord is God ! 

First Noble (hand held out). — 
The rain ! I felt a drop ! It is the rain. 

Second Noble (hands lifted). — 
Oh! blessed rain! Most blessed rain! Come down. 
Our God's good gift to men. 

First Noble.— -Oh! beautiful 
Will be the green things growing. 

Second Noble. — Scarcely yet 
I dare to hope it rains. 

Fifth Noble. — Famine is done! 
The corn shall grow — the happy earth shall laugh 
O'er ripening harvests. 

Second Noble (stepping forward and watching). — • 
Ahab's gone, 
Driving his chariot quickly, lest the rain 
Should stop him. 

Seventh Noble (pulling bornous over head). — 

Down it comes! a pouring rain, 



wisdom's treasures. 43 

A soaking rain, as if heaven's windows all 
Were open. Yes! the Lord is God alone. 

Second Noble. — 
Oh ! would our people worship Him alone, 
The God of Abraham, our fathers' God, 
Walk in His ways and keep His laws, their peace 
Should be a flowing river. 

E. Murray. 



WISDOM'S TREASURES. 

Wisdom, dressed in white, is seated on a throne. 
Enter Truth, dressed in blue, who, opening a box contain- 
ing jewels, addresses Wisdom as follows : 

Wisdom, I come to adorn thee with symbolic jewels. 
May'st thou impart to others as they ask of thee the vir- 
tues which thy name signifies. 

( Takes out of the box a crown.*) — As the gold in this 
crown has been purified from all dross, I place it on 
thy head to symbolize that thy counsels shall be free 
from all impurities. 

{Takes out of the box a necklace?) — These pearls which 
I clasp around thy neck have been found by diligent 
search, and are of great value. So may thy words be 
found priceless pearls to those who search for and find 
thee. 

{Takes out of the box a ring.) —This ruby ring which 
I place on thy hand is rich and rare. May the finger 
on which it gleams ever point to the path where true 
riches are to be found. 

{Takes out silver buckles?) — As these silver buckles 



44 wisdom's treasures. 

which I fasten on thy feet have been tried until ren- 
dered pure metal, so may all who tread thy ways find 
them ways of pleasantness, and paths of peace which 
lead to pure happiness. 

Wisdom (addressing Truth).— Kind Truth, I thank 
thee for these symbols, and earnestly desire to be to 
others all that these signify. In return, I beg thee to 
be my constant companion, standing ever at my right 
hand to add weight to my counsels, wearing this white 
chrysanthemum, the emblem of thy name. 

Pins it on Truth. 
Truth takes her place at the right hand of Wisdom. Enter 
Jive little girls singing the following words to the tune 
" Old Lang Syne :" 

Wisdom and Truth, companions true, 

Are never more to part. 
Together through the world they go 
To satisfy the heart. 
Lily. — Wisdom, we have traveled far to find thee 
and thy companion, Truth. We would beg of thee 
to impart to each of us a gift from thy store, by which 
we may enrich our lives and make others happy. 

Wisdom (addressing the group). — Young friends, we 
find great pleasure in welcoming you to our presence, 
and will counsel you as best we can. (To Lily :) May 
I ask what flower in thy hand I see? 

Lily. — 'Tis a tuberose. I find such pleasure in its 
possession that I scarce heed anything else. 

Wisdom. — Ah, yes ! " A tuberose," which means 
dangerous pleasure. As thou hast cherished this 
plant, so hast thou been cherishing its emblem in thy 
heart. Let this, though sweet, die, and in its place cher- 
ish this lily ; cultivate in thy heart its emblem, which is 



wisdom's treasures. 45 

purity, dignity, and sweetness. Let thy life so flourish 
that others will leave dangerous pleasures and follow 
the teaching of the lily. (Pms a lily on right shoulder 
and addresses Ivy :) Thou, too, hast a flower. What 
may it be ? 

Ivy, — 'Tis only a simple lady slipper ; I find much 
pleasure in noting its odd shape and variegated color, 
though there are many others I like equally well. 

Wisdom. — Probably so ; thy mind is much like the 
emblem of this flower, which is fickleness. Let this 
fade, and as thou watchest it die, cherish in its place 
this plant, ivy, and its emblem, fidelity. Cling to 
every virtue as this ivy does to the support given to it. 
Pins a spray of ivy on right shoulder. 
Wisdom {addressing Violet). — Why dost thou carry 
such a large flower, my young friend ? Knowest thou 
its meaning ? 

Violet. — Tis a bunch of hydrangea. I like it well ; 
'tis large and noble looking, and requires so little care ; 
indeed, it cares for itself. 

Wisdom. — Ah, yes ! It means a boaster. Too many, 
child, think just the same. Boasters take up so much 
room to spread themselves, they crowd out low- 
lier and sweeter lives. Instead of this, take thou these 
violets, blue and white, and cultivate their emblems — 
faithfulness, innocence, and modesty. 

Pins violets on right shoulder. 
Wisdom (addressing Pansy). — What flowers dost thou 
carry, my child? 

Pansy. — They are the French and the common mari- 
gold. They are much prettier than the flowers some 
of my companions have carried, though they thought 
theirs so beautiful and rare. 



46 wisdom's treasures. 

Wisdom. — The emblems, child, are jealousy and con- 
tempt. Too well thy words show how thou hast 
cherished their meaning in thy heart. Fling them 
aside as entirely worthless ; uproot their emblems ; and 
plant instead these pansies, whose symbol is heart's ease. 
Let kind thoughts for others be thy constant aim, and 
jealousy and contempt will find no soil to grow in. 
Pins pansies on right shoulder. 
Wisdom {addressing Rose). — Hast thou gathered no 
flower, dear little one, or what is that which thou hast 
in thy hand? 

Rose. — 'Tis a bramble ; my companions were selfish 
enough to pluck all the flowers by the wayside, 
though their treasures have proved worthless enough. 
I dare say my bramble is worth more than them all. 

Wisdom.— Ah ! bramble, and in your heart its type, 
envy. Cast it and its emblem far away, and in its 
place take this rose. Mark well its symbol, love. 
Let love fill thy heart, and envy will find no place. 
The girls, turning to go out, sing : 
Wisdom and Truth have given to us 

Sweet flowers of many a hue, 

We'll cultivate them all with care, 

With all their symbols true. 

Wisdom (addressing Truth as they leave). — 

Sweet Sister Truth, now let us go, 

The mission still is ours 
To search for souls throughout the world, 
That need our spirit flow'rs. 

Mrs. E. J. Goodfellow. 



A SHORT MISSIONARY SERVICE. 47 



A SHOKT MISSIONARY SERVICE. 

The school will rise in using this responsive exercise, 

which should follow the singing of the opening hymn. 

Superintendent — For, from the rising of the sun even 
unto the going down of the same my name shall be great 
among the Gentiles. 

Teachers. — And in every place incense shall be offered 
unto my name and a pure offering. 

Boys and Girls. — For my name shall be great among 
the heathen, saith the Lord of hosts. 

Superintendent — And the heathen shall know that I 
am the Lord, the holy one in Israel. 

Infant School. — And I will set my glory among the 
heathen. 

Entire School. — And His dominion shall be from sea to 
sea, and from the river even unto the ends of the earth. 

Prayer. 

A recitation by a young lady, entitled : — 

" JESUS EVERYWHERE." 

Where white sands glisten brightly, 

Where looms the jungle wild, 
From red lips and from withered, 

From crone and prattling child, 
There floats a song whose cadence. 

Goes out in joy supreme, 
A sweet song never ceasing, 

And Jesus is its theme. 

A Western mother weeping, 
Above her still, cold child, 



48 A SHORT MISSIONARY SERVICE. 

An Eastern mother mourning 
Her babe in anguish wild ; 

Though oceans roll between them, 
One hope sends forth its gleam, 

And blends their prayers ascending, 
With Jesus all their theme. 

When morning beams are gilding 

The Eastern plain with gold, 
The setting sun is decking 

The West with wealth untold ; 
The fair-browed and the swarthy 

The aid of heaven claim, 
At dying-day and dawning, 

And all in Jesus' name, 'I 

Where Western marts are filling 

The air with deafening din, 
Two strangers pause to utter 

The thoughts that burn within, 
While far where tropic sunshine, 

O'er lofty palms doth stream, 
Two brothers sit discoursing, 

And Jesus still their theme. 

And thus, from mount and dingle, 

From cold and sunny clime, 
At morn, at noon, at twilight, 

And in the still night-time, 
In accents loud and thrilling, 

May roll this song supreme, 
Till all shall sing of Jesus, 

Love's grand, exhaustless theme. 



a short missionary service. 49 

Singing. 

Recitation by a little girl, with responses by the school, 
or a class. 

Speaker. — 
O, what can I do, a wee maiden like me, 
To send the dear gospel far over the sea ? 
For the poor heathen children, I'm sure, ought to know 
All the story of Jesus, who dwelt here below. 
So what can I do, a maiden so small ? 
Perhaps you will answer, " O, nothing at all." 

School. — 
No, there is work for each one to do, 
And somewhere there's waiting a duty for you. 

Speaker (holding up her hands). — 
If these hands that I own could change into wings, 
I straightway would do the most wonderful things. 
I'd fly away off where the poor heathen dwell, 
And to all the dear children so quickly would tell 
The story of Jesus, the dear sinless child, 
And how on the children He tenderly smiled. 

School. — 
But since you've no wings, only two little hands, 
You must do your work here for those far heathen 
lands. 

Speaker. — 
But what shall it be ? O, tell me the way, 
To show all my love for the Saviour each day. 

(Hesitatingly.) 
I can do without candy and nuts, I suppose, 
And take the best care of my shoes and my clothes ; 
Thus, in saving the pennies, I very well know, 
A dime now and then in the box I can throw. 
4 



50 A SHORT MISSIONARY SERVICE. 

School — 
Yes. and the dimes, as you've often been told, . 
Will make in a while bright dollars of gold. 

Speaker. — 
So, that is the way a wee maiden like me 
Can help the poor heathen far over the sea ; 
But I must not forget, while saving each day, 
That still, as I work, I must earnestly pray. 

During the collection of the offering which now follows, 
the ensuing responsive exercise is read, the school remain- 
ing seated. 

Superintendent. — He which soweth sparingly shall 
reap also sparingly, and he which soweth bountifully 
shall reap also bountifully. — II Cor. ix, 6. 

Bible Classes. — The liberal soul shall be made fat, and 
he that watereth shall be w r atered also himself. — Prov. 
xi, 25. 

Infant Class (rising). — Remember the words of the 
Lord Jesus, how He said : " It is more blessed to give 
than to receive."— J. cte xx, 35. 

Superintendent. — Give, and it shall be given unto you ; 
good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and 
running over. For, with the same measure that ye mete 
withal it shall be measured to you again. — Luke vi, 8. 

Boys. — Honor the Lord with thy substance and with 
the first fruits of all thy increase. — Prov. xi, 9. 

Girls. — So shall thy barns be filled with plenty and 
thy presses burst out w T ith new wine. — Prov. xi, 10. 

Teachers. — Cast thy bread upon the w T aters, for thou 
shalt find it after many days. — Ex. xi, 1. 

School. — And the King shall answer and say unto 
them : Verily, I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have 



SEED-TIME. 51* 

done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye 
have done it unto me. — Matt, xxv, 40. 

These sentences may also be used as an exercise between 
a class of boys and girls, the classes so using it rising. 

Clara J. Denton. 



SEED-TIME. 

A SPRING SERVICE. 
ORDER OF SERVICE. 



1. Verses and Responses. 5. Reading: Parable. 9. Address. 

2. Chant : Psalm cxlviii. 6. Scripture Recitations. 10. Hymn. 

3. Responsive Reading. 7. Hymn. 11. Prayers. 

4. Spring Carol. 8. Recitations. 12. Benediction. 

Notes.— 1. The Psalm, No. 2.— The small letters before the lines of the 
psalm indicate the line of chant to which each should be sung. The 
italicized syllables show the beginning of the measure containing quarter 
notes. To those unaccustomed to chanting, the following simple direc- 
tions will suffice. Let the chant be sung in unison by the congregation, 
the organ, if there is one, supplying the harmony. The recitation note 
(whole note) is of variable length, determined only by the number of 
syllables to be sung to it ; these should be sung no more rapidly than the 
time of a serious and expressive reading of the same. The cadence notes 
(quarter notes) should be sung in time, so far as the sense allows, but 
both the time and accent of the music must sometimes give way to the 
expression of the words. 

2. Scripture Recitations, No. 6.— Any or all of these may be used, or 
any other selections substituted. 

3. Recitations, No. 8.— The verses under this heading are selected 
from various authors, American and English, with some translations from 
the German. Note 2 may also apply here. 

4. Prayers, No. 11.— Any or all of these may be used, with the 
responsive Amen by the school ; or an extempore prayer may be made 
instead, if preferred. The school should repeat the Lord's Prayer in 
concert. 

I. 
VERSES AND RESPONSES. 

V. — The Lord is good unto all, and His tender mercies 
are over all His works. 



52 



SEED-TIME. 



R. — He hath made His wonderful works to be remem- 
bered: the Lord is gracious and full of compassion. 

V. — O that men would praise the Lord for His good- 
ness, and for His wonderful works to the children of 
men. 

R. — While I live will I praise the Lord: I will sing 
praises unto my God while I have my being. 

V. — Let the people praise Thee, O God! 

R. — Yea, let all the people praise Thee ! 



II. 



chant : Psalm cxlviii. 



b -# 



* 



m 



# 



H=q=F= 



q=l= 



m 



:^==*==g=Ej==g==*= 



d - lf-&=L^i 



q==t 



n^ 



=?=*= 



# 



z?=M=3z 



=?=*= 



z^zzztzm. 



'¥ 



i 



a. Praise ye the Lord ! 

6. Praise ye the Lord/ro?7i the heav'ns : praise Him in 

the heights. 
c. Praise ye Him, all His angels: praise Him, all His 

hosts. 



SEED-TIME. 53 

d. Praise Him, sun and moon : praise Him, all ye stars 

of light. 
d. Praise Him, ye heavens of heav'ns : and ye waters of 

the skies. 

d. Let them praise the name of the Lord: for He com- 
manded and they were created. 

e. He hath made them fast for ever and ever : He hath 
given them a law which shall not be broken. 

b. Praise the Lord upon the earth, ye whales and all 

deeps. 
e. Fire and hail, snow and vapors ; wind and storm Jul- 

filling His word. 

d. Mountains and all hills : fruitful trees and all cedars. 

e. Beasts and all cattle : creeping thing and flying 
fowl. 

e. Kings of the earth and all people : princes and all 

judges of the world. 
e. Young men and maidens, old men and children: 

praise the name of the Lord, 
d. For His name alone is excellent : His glory is above 

the earth and heaven. 
/. Praise ye the Lord. 

III. 

RESPONSIVE READING. 

1. Lo, the winter is past ; the flowers appear on the 

earth. 

2. The time of the singing of birds is come. 

1. The earth is full of the goodness of the Lord. 

2. At His will the south w r ind bloweth. 

1. He causeth His w T ind to blow, and the waters flow. 

2. He sendeth the springs into the valleys which run 

among; the hills. 



54 



SEED-TIME. 



1. He causeth the grass to grow for the cattle ; 

2. And herb for the service of man. 

1 And the bud of the tender herb to spring forth ; 
2. First the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn 
in the ear. 

1. The wilderness and the solitary place shall be glad, 

and the desert shall rejoice and blossom as the 
rose. 

2. It shall blossom abundantly, and rejoice even with 

joy and singing. 

IV. 



SPRING CAROL. 



Words and music by L. A. B. 



m 



31111113 



=J5= 



=2=*: 



^m£ 



^E? 



:=«= 



M^*Z 



1. Win ter is o - ver and past, and the earth at last 



i==f= 



3*¥=Z^ 



z?z=M- 



Wakes from the mys - ti - cal sleep, heav - y and deep, 



~9$^ -J 


3*— isz 


-jb-^ 5 ^ K~ 


:q q% l_J Ht _n^ 


— 1 


%: \\- 


tfti — — 


* f- 


\J5> 1^- 


J J * P 


— p — i^- 


H? 


IS 1>- 

g j; 



E3S 



Hold- ing it onee so fast, 



fiHI 



afe*t 



Come, high fes - ti - val 



^H* 1 



_q — 



keep ! Let the songs we sing Hail the re- turn of the spring ! 

2. Out of the dark and the cold of the earth's brown 
mould 
Into the light and the air, everywhere 
Tender green blades unfold ; 
Branches, naked and bare 

In. the winter blast, 
Burst into blossom at lasU 



SEED-TIME. 55 

3. Sweet with the blue-bird's song, the days grow 
long ; 
Earth, lately torpid and old, silent and cold, 
Feels itself new and young. 
Thus is the parable told 

That the seasons bring; 
Life is the lesson of spring. 

Y. 

READING. 

Parable of the Sower. — Matt, xiii, 1-9, and IS, 23. 
VI. 

SCRIPTURE RECITATIONS. 

1. Whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he -also reap. 
—Gal. vi, 7. 

2. He which soweth sparingly shall reap also spar- 
ingly ; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also 
bountifully. — II Cor. ix, 6. 

3. They that plow iniquity and sow wickedness reap 
the same. — Job iv, 8. 

4. He that soweth to the flesh, shall of the flesh reap 
corruption ; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the 
Spirit reap life everlasting. — Gal. vi, 8. 

5. Sow to yourselves in righteousness, reap in mercy. 
— Hosea x, 12. 

6. Break up your fallow ground, and sow not among 
thorns. — Jer. iv, 3. 

7. He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious 



56 SEED-TIME. 

seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing 
his sheaves with him. — Psalms cxxvi, 6. 

8. In the morning sow thy seed, and in the evening 
withhold not thine hand ; for thou knowest not whether 
shall prosper, either this or that, or whether they both 
shall be alike good. — Eccl. xi, 6. 

9. I went by the field of the slothful, and by the 
vineyard of the man void of understanding ; and, lo, it 
was all grown over with thorns, and nettles had covered 
the face thereof, and the stone wall thereof was broken 
down. Then I saw, and considered it well : I looked 
upon it, and received instruction. — Prov. xxiv, 30-32. 

10. Doth the plowman plow all day to sow ? doth he 
open and break the clods of the ground ? When he 
hath made plain the face thereof, doth he not cast 
abroad the principal wheat and the appointed barley 
and rye in their place ? — Isaiah xxviii, 24. 

11. The kingdom of heaven is like to a grain of mus- 
tard seed, which a man took, and sowed in his field : 
Which indeed is the least of all seeds: but when it is 
grown it is the greatest among herbs, and becometh a 
tree, so that the birds of the air come and lodge in the 
branches thereof. — Matt xiii, 31-32. 

12. That which thou so west, thou sowest not that 
body that shall be, but bare grain, it may chance of 
w r heat, or of some other grain : but God giveth it a body 
as it hath pleased Him, and to every seed his own body. 
So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in 
corruption ; it is raised in incorruption : it is sown in 
dishonor ; it is raised in glory : it is sown in weakness ; 
it is raised in power : it is sown a natural body ; 
it is raised a spiritual body. — I Cor. xv, 37-38 and 
42-44. 



SEED-TIME. 57 

VII. 

Hymn. 

what shall the harvest be ? 

Words by E. S. Oakey. Music by P. P. Bliss. 

Sowing the seed by the daylight fair, 
Sowing the seed by the noonday glare, 
Sowing the seed by the fading* light, 
Sowing the seed in the solemn night ; 
Oh, what shall the harvest be ? 
Oh, what shall the harvest be ? 

Chorus. — Sown in the darkness, or sown in the light, 

Sown in our weakness, or sown in our might, 
Gathered in time or eternity, 
Sure, ah, sure will the harvest be ! 

Sowing the seed by the wayside high, 

Sowing the seed on the rocks to die. 

Sowing the seed where the thorns will spoil, 

Sowing the seed in the fertile soil ; 

Oh, what shall the harvest be? 

Oh, what shall the harvest be ? Chorus. 

Sowing the seed with an aching heart. 

Sowing the seed while the tear-drops start, 

Sowing in hope till the reapers come 

Gladly to gather the harvest home. 

Oh, what shall the harvest be? 

Oh, what shall the harvest be ? Chorus. 



58 SEED-TIME. 



VIII. 

RECITATIONS. 

1. We plow the fertile meadows, 

We sow the furrowed land ; 
But all the growth and increase 

Are in God's mighty hand. 
He gives the shower and sunshine 

To swell the quickening grain ; 
The springing corn He blesses, 

He clothes the golden plain. 

2. In open field King Solomon 

Beneath the sky sets up his throne ; 

He sees a sower walking, sowing, 

On every side the seed-corn throwing. 

" What dost thou there ?" exclaims the King, 

" The ground here can no harvest bring ; 

Break off from such unwise beginning ; 

Thou'lt get no crop that's worth the winning." 

The sower hears ; his arm he sinks, 
And doubtful he stands still and thinks: 
Then goes he forward, strong and steady, 
For the wise King this answer ready : 
" I've nothing else but this one field, 
I've watched it, labored it, and tilled ; 
What farther use of pausing, guessing ? 
The corn from me, from God the blessing." 

3. He that soweth seed, soweth in hope, earnestly 
desiring that it may germinate and grow : he soweth 
also in faith, believing that his desire will be accom- 
plished. 



SEED-TIME. 59 

4. Thou knowest not which seed shall grow, 
Or what may die or live ; 
In faith and hope and patience sow ; 
The increase God shall give. 

5. When a husbandman hath thrown his seed into the 
ground, he doth not look to see it the same day again, 
much less to reap it the same day, but is content to wait 
patiently until the year come about. 

6. Sink thy corn wdthin the furrow 
Of labor faithful, patient, thorough, 

Then trust it to great Nature's drops and rays, 
And thou shalt find it after many days. 

7. We scatter seeds with careless hand, 

And dream we ne'er shall see them more ; 
But for a thousand years their fruit appears 
In weeds that mar the land, or healthful store. 

8. 'Twas a floating, feathery, thistle seed, 

By the soft south wind of summer blown, 
And the breeze bore also w r ith airy speed 

A word as light as the thistle-down. 

The thistle-down to the earth was blown, 
And there it grew to a prickly weed ; 

In the heart of a friend my word was sown, 
And cruel the pain from that light-winged seed. 

9. "God alone 
Beholds the end of what is sown ; 
Beyond our vision, weak and dim, 
The harvest-time is hid with Him. 
Yet, unforgotten where it lies, 
The seed of generous sacrifice, 
Though seeming on the desert cast, 
Shall rise with bloom and fruit at last. 



60 SEED-TIME. 

10. Little seed, I hold you in my hand, 
Little brown seed, like a grain of sand, 
Yet inclosed within your tiny shell 

Doth the world's unf at homed mystery dwell. 

The dry seed, planted, lives and grows, 

But whence comes this thing called life? Who 

knows ? 
What is life ? O, learned man, 
Search and ponder and tell, if you can. 
We unlearned say : " The breath 
Of God develops life from death ;" 
But the secret of the miracle \ 

Neither child nor philosopher can tell. 

11. Sow with a generous hand, pause not for toil or pain, 
Weary not through the heat of summer, 

Weary not through the cold spring rain ; 

But wait till the autumn comes, for the sheaves of 

golden grain. 
Sow — while the seeds are lying in the earth's warm 

bosom deep 
And your warm tears fall upon it 
They will stir in their quiet sleep ; 
And the green blades rise the quicker, perchance, 

for the tears you weep. 
Sow, and look onward, upward, where the starry 

light appears, 
Where, in spite of the coward's doubting, 
Or your own heart's trembling fears, 
You shall reap in joy the harvest you have sown 

to-day in tears. 

12. O soul of the springtime, its light and its breath, 
Bring warmth to this coldness, bring life to this 

death. 



SEED-TIME. 



61 



Renew the great miracle ; let us behold 

The stone from the mouth of the sepulchre rolled, 

And Nature, like Lazarus, rise, as of old ! 

Let our faith, which in darkness and coldness has lain, 

Revive with the warmth and the brightness again, 

And in blooming of flower and budding of tree 

The symbols and types of our destiny see ; 

The life of the springtime, the life of the whole, 

And, as sun to the sleeping earth, love to the soul ! 

IX. 

A SHORT ADDRESS. 



X. 

HYMN: SEED-TIME. 



Words and Mnsic by L. A. B. 






m 



zfinzTzc— z 






1. Seek out. the wild waste pla - ces of the spir - it's 



^mmw^^^wmmMMi 



wide do - main, Plow up the fal - low spa - ces, 



-I- 



£fe*fiSa 



scat- ter the good - ly grain ; 



Plow with a keen - est 



=J=F=r 



=*i 



=*=lv 



==r 



m 



=zt 






^=:^- 



:^==3=3i 



=1= 



conscience, make the fur - rows broad and deep, And ma- ny a 

-I-,. ,_ — , _ r — 1_ 



=}- 



3=* 






i^Hi^lfl 



=?= 



s 



tear of re - pent - ance a - mong the ridg - es weep. 
•//: 3rd. Verse last time. , j 



msm 



3=3- 



i^m 



■WW 



E=S 



Thou too, shalt come home with singing, bearing the golden sheaves. 



62 SEED-TIME. 

2. Sow by the running waters, sow on the hill-top high, 

In fields that the roadway borders, and where no 

man passeth by ; 
Who knoweth whether the meadow, or whether the 

mountain-top, 
The sunny place or the shadow, will yield thee 
the fairer crop ? 

3. Sow with a faith undaunted, sow with a liberal hand, 

And soon where the seed was planted the growing 

grain shall stand. 
• At last, like a reaper bringing the wealth that the 

harvest gives, 
Thou, too, shalt come home with singing, bearing 
thy golden sheaves. 

XL 

PRAYERS. 

O God, who by Thy beloved Son hast overcome death 
and opened to us the gate of everlasting life, grant us, 
we beseech Thee, that we may by the renewing of Thy 
Spirit arise from the death of the soul. Amen. 

O Lord, who by Thy power renewest the face of the 
earth, renew also our spirits by thy grace, that we may 
henceforward bring forth the manifold fruits of good 
works, glorifying Thee in this temporal life, and receiv- 
ing at last the life eternal. Amen. 

O God, whose never failing providence ordereth all 
things both in heaven and earth; we humbly beseech 
Thee to put away from us all hurtful things, and to give 
us those things which are profitable for us. Amen. 

O Lord, we beseech Thee mercifully to receive the 



SEED-TIME. 63 

prayers of Thy people who call upon Thee ; and grant 
that they may both perceive and know what things they 
ought to do, and also may have grace and power faith- 
fully to fulfill the same. Amen. 

Almighty and everlasting God, by whom that begins 
to be which was not, and that which lay hid is made 
visible, cause to grow up in our hearts that spiritual 
grace w T hich shall bear fruit unto eternal life. Amen. 

O Thou whosowest the good seed in our hearts, grant 
that it may not fall on barren ground, but spring up 
and bear fruit abundantly. Amen. 

O Almighty God, hear Thy people, and guide them 
on from this festival to eternal gladness, from the joy or 
this solemnity to joys that have no end. Amen. 

The Lord's Prayer. 
(By the whole School in concert.) 

XII. 

EXHORTATION AND BENEDICTION. 

Beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy 
faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the 
love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus 
Christ unto eternal life. The Lord bless you and keep 
you evermore. Amen. 

Mrs. L. A. Bradbury. 



64 PROVERBS, OR RHYMES AND. REASONS. 

PROVERBS, OR RHYMES AND REASONS. 

A responsive exercise. 

Q. — When anger burns within the breast, 
And ireful speech impends, 
What thought restrains its utterance, 
And back the hot wrath sends ? 
A. — A soft answer turneth away wrath : but grievous 
words stir up anger.-^-Prov. xv, 1. 

Q. — What constitutes a richer store, 
Than heaps of shining gold ? 
And is to be far more preferred, 
Than gems of worth untold ? 
A. — A good name is rather to be chosen than great 
riches, and loving favor rather than silver and gold. — 
Prov. xxii, 1. 

Q. — When great success our path attends, 
Filling our hearts with pride, 
What proverb warns us to expect 
A turning of the tide ? 
A. — Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty 
spirit before a fall. — Prov. xvi, 18. 

Q. — The sacred ties that bind friends' hearts, 
What danger them assails, 
By taking part with lips and ears, 
In gossip's idle tales ? 
A. — He that repeateth a matter separateth very 
friends. — Prov. xvii, 9. 

Q. — If to the world we would be known 
As upright, good, and pure, 
Must we not weigh our actions well 
That we may this secure ? 



PROVERBS, OR RHYMES AND REASONS. 65 

A. — Even a child is known by his doings, whether his 
work be pure, and whether it be right. — Prov. xx, 11. 
Q. — What doth impart to plainest fare, 
A relish sweet and good, 
That, lacking it, cannot be found, 
In e'en the richest food ? 
A. — Better is a dinner of herbs where love is, than a 
stalled ox and hatred therewith. — Prov. xv, 17. 
Q. — Why should we use the present time, 
Nor w r ait to morrow's sun, 
When there's an act of helpfulness, 
Or good deed to be done ? 
A. — Boast not thyself of to-morrow ; for thou knowest 
not what a day may bring forth. — Prov. xxvii, 1. 
Q. — What conqueror is mightier, 
And worthier of fame, 
Than he who on the battle-field 
•Adds luster to his name? 
A, — He that is slow r to anger is better than the mighty ; 
and he that ruleth his spirit, than he that taketh a city. — 
Prov. xvi, 32. 

Q. — Why should we hearken to advice 
From wiser lips than ours, 
And heed good counsel — trusting not 
Too greatly our own powers ? 
A. — Where no counsel is, the people fall ; but in the 
multitude of counselors there is safety. — Prov. xi, 14. 
Q. — Why should we shun the sparkling wine, 
With ruby coloring graced ? 
Why should our hands refuse to touch, 
Our lips refuse to taste? 
A. — At the last it biteth like a serpent, and stingeth 
like an adder. — Prov. xxiii, 32. E. C. & L. J. Rook. 
5 



66 THE REWARD OF EARNEST EFFORT. 

THE REWARD OF EARNEST EFFORT. 

A dialogue for three young ladies. 

[Helen, seated in an attitude of deep melancholy. Enter 

Grace.~\ 

Grace. — Why do you look so sad, Helen ? What is 
it that is troubling you ? It is not customary to see 
you with such a sorrowful countenance. 

Helen (rising and coming forward). — Yes; I do feel 
sad, very sad, and I will tell you the cause of my dejec- 
tion. You know I have had a class in our Sabbath- 
school for more than a year — a ciass of bright, 
intelligent girls, who are old enough to understand the 
truths of the Bible and their duty to their Saviour. I 
have worked faithfully for my class. I have studied 
for them, prayed fpr them, and visited them ; but so far 
have seen very little in their conduct to lead me to sup- 
pose that they are thinking seriously on the subject of 
religion. However, I did think that Carrie Leslie 
seemed to be more in earnest of late, and was giving 
more serious attention to the Bible lesson than formerly, 
but to-day I have had all my hopes dashed to the 
ground. > 

Grace. — Why, what has occurred? Carrie has not 
been here. Have you heard of her doing anything 
amiss? 

Helen. — O no, no ; she is a noble girl ; and you may 
perhaps smile when I tell you what has given me such 
a heavy heart; but if you knew how my thoughts 
center on my class, and how many earnest prayers I 
send up on their behalf, you could better understand 
my feelings. Last week I saw, in a religious newspaper, 
a copy of that exquisite little poem of Miss Havergal's: 



THE REWARD OF EARNEST EFFORT. G7 

"What Will You Do Without Him ?" It is so touch- 
ing ! I can never read it without deep feeling, especially 
the lines : 

" What will you do without Him 

When the great white throne is set, 
And the Judge, who can never mistake, 

And never can forget — 
The Judge whom you have never here 

As friend and Saviour sought — 
Shall summon you to give account 

Of deed and word and thought ? 

" What will you do without Him 

When He hath shut the door, 
And you are left outside because 

You would not come before? 
When it is no use knocking, 

No use to stand and wait; 
For the word of doom tolls through your heart, 

That terrible < Too later" 

I took the paper containing the entire poem to Sabbath- 
school last Sabbath, and after school I gave it to 
Carrie Leslie. I told her I wanted her to promise me 
to read that poem every night before she knelt to pray. 
I told iici* I was going to make her conversion the sub- 
ject of special prayer this week, and every night, when 
she read these solemn, heart-touching lines, she might 
think that her teacher was praying for her, and I hoped 
by next Sabbath she would come prepared to tell me 
that she could not do without Him Well, the cause of 
my sadness is this : Carrie has been promising for 



68 THE REWARD OF EARNEST EFFORT. 

several weeks to send me some hyacinth and tulip bulbs 
for my garden. To-day her little brother brought them 
wrapped in a piece of torn paper ; and what was my 
surprise to see that it was a part of the very paper I 
gave her last Sabbath, and there, on the page that was 
sent me, was the poem that I had hoped would — with 
God's blessing — be the means of leadiug her to Christ. 

Grace. — I do not wonder that you feel sad at heart. 
But surely she would not have done such a thing inten- 
tionally. She could not have known that it was the 
same paper, or she would not have sent it. She is too 
good a girl to offer you such a direct insult. 

Helen. — No, she would not have sent it knowingly, I 
am sure ; but the fact that the paper is torn to pieces 
shows that she is not doing as I requested. Somehow, I 
have felt all the week that my prayer would be 
answered, and that ere long the angels in heaven would 
have cause to rejoice over a redeemed soul. 

Grace. — Well, Helen, I will join my prayers to yours. 
You know the promise — that where two or three are 
gathered together in fervent prayer the response is sure. 
We will take each member of your class individually to 
Christ, and plead with Him on her behalf. 
[Enter Carrie Leslie.'] 

Carrie. — O dear Miss Helen, I am so worried ! I can 
not find the paper you gave me on Sunday. I kept it 
on my bureau under my Bible, and just now I missed 
it. I inquired of every one in the house, and Ned says 
he took it and carried it down-stairs ; he saw it was not 
of recent date, and, thinking it was of no use, he took a 
piece of it to cover a kite, arid another piece he wrapped 
around the bulbs I gave him to bring you. I came 
around to explain, and get it back if I can, for, indeed, 



THE REWARD OF EARNEST EFFORT. 09 

Miss Helen, it is not my fault. That poem is so beauti- 
ful that I have read it a dozen times. I believe I have 
learned it all. It rings in my ears day and night, and 
I am sure that it has become the language of my heart. 
I feel that I must have Jesus for my friend. I do not 
want to do without Him. I want Him for my friend 
now and forever. 

Helen. — I thank God, dear Carrie, for the answer He 
has vouchsafed to my prayers. My friend Grace and I 
were just entering into a compact to pray in concert for 
the girls of my class, that they may be saved, and ere 
we called He has answered. 

[Bell rings and a letter is handed in. Helen opens and 
reads it as Grace speaks.] 

Grace. — We are rejoiced, dear Carrie, that you have 
resolved to take this important step and give yourself 
to Christ. Now you will be able to add your prayers 
to ours for the other members of the class. 

Helen. — I am ashamed that I doubted my Saviour's 
readiness to hear my prayers. Here I have been griev- 
ing over the futility of my efforts in the Sabbath-school, 
when the dear Lord was all the while preparing such a 
rich reward for my work. Read this letter aloud, Grace, 
my emotion will not allow me to do so. 

Grace {reading). — My dear teacher, I know you will 
be glad when I tell you that I have resolved to give 
myself to Jesus and dedicate my life to His service. I 
have been thinking for some time that I ought to do so, 
but have tried to stifle the voice of conscience. Your 
earnest words last Sabbath have convinced me that it is 
not safe for me to put off any longer such an important 
step. I went to Jesus in humble, earnest prayer, and I 
feel that He has forgiven my sins and accepted me as 



70 THE CHILDREN'S WISHES. 

His child. I hasten to tell you the glad tidings, that 
you may rejoice with me. I will hereafter join with you 
in prayer for the other members of the class, and trust 
that ere long all may be safe in the fold of the Good 
Shepherd. 

Your loving pupil, 

Grace Dinsmore. 

Helen. — Is not this glad news ? I have no reason uow 
to be discouraged. All that I have done seems as noth- 
ing when compared with the reward I have had given 
me. Two souls led to Christ ! It is worth a lifetime of 
labor. And let this be a lesson to us all in time to 
come — trust Jesus to answer the prayers we utter in sin- 
cerity and in truth. Let us work for Him and pray for 
His blessing, and then trust Him to do the rest. 

Mrs. M. Ella Cornell. 



THE CHILDREN'S WISHES. 

First Child. — 
I wish I'd been the lily that Jesus talked about, 
I'd look so sweet and precious and spread my petals out; 
I'd not be proud or haughty, and every bonny bee 
Might come and taste my honey and hide a bit in me. 

Second Child. — 
I'd rather be the sparrow, the Father loves them so, 
He saves them from the tempests when wild and fierce 

they blow ; 
Their little nests are hidden amid the grasses sweet, 
He gives them seeds and berries and pleasant things to 
eat. 



BOYS OF THE BIBLE. 71 

Third Child.— 
And I would be the lambkin, and run and skip and 

play, 
And when the night was coming He'd carry me away 
All safely in His bosom, my sheltering fold to find, 
And oh ! how much I'd love Him, my Shepherd good 
and kind. 

Fourth Child. — 
The lilies white and golden must fade away and die, 
Even the little sparrow some day must lifeless lie ; 
The lambkin in the meadow, so pretty and so gay, 
Within the heavenly pastures will never skip and play. 

But blessed little children who love their Saviour here, 
Far more than flowers or sparrows are infinitely dear, 
And souls all white and spotless and pure from every 

sin 
To Christ's eternal kingdom shall surely enter in. 

All children in concert. — 
O teach us, gentle Jesus, Thy sweet and loving ways, 
With souls as pure as lilies, with voices full of praise, 
Thy precious little children, for unto such was given 
The glory of Thy blessing, the promise of Thy Heaven. 

Sara M. Chatfield. 



BOYS OF THE BIBLE. 

For eight boys. The verses may be recited by eight girls if preferred. At 
the close sing, " Hark, the herald angels sing." 

First Boy. — A mother and child wandered in the 
wilderness of Beersheba. They had no water, and the 
mother cast her child under a bush, that she might not 
see him die. The lad cried aloud and God heard his 



72 BOYS OF THE BIBLE. 

voice, and opened the eyes of the mother; she saw near 
her a well of water, and gave her child drink. "And 
God w r as with the lad; and he grew and dwelt in the 
wilderness, and became an archer," and the founder of a 
great nation. 

All, in concert — 

The Father who hearkened to IshmaeFs cry, 

As alone in the desert he lay, 
Is bending down from His throne on high 

To list to the prayers we say ; 
He gives to us each our daily bread, 
And from His rich storehouse we all are fed. 

Second Boy, — A good man who loved God better than 
all else made ready to sacrifice to Him the darling son 
of his old age; but when he had placed the boy upon 
the altar, the angel of the Lord called, " Lay not thine 
hand upon the lad, neither do thou anything unto him. ,, 
Tne father obeyed. The boy lived, and in his seed all 
the nations of the earth were blessed. 

AIL — As on the upraised altar pile 

Isaac submissive lay — 
May we our selfish wills subdue, 

And walk the Master's way ; 
Though we His purpose cannot tell, 
We know He doeth all things well. 

Third Boy. — A wicked king made a law that all the 
male children who were born unto the Hebrew women 
should be put to death. One Hebrew mother put her 
babe in an ark of bulrushes and hid him among the 
flags. The king's daughter found the babe, and took 
him for her son; and when he was grown, he became 



BOYS OF THE BIBLE. 73 

the leader of his people, to deliver them from bondage 
and guide them to the promised land. 

AIL — As in the wilderness, the Lord 

To Moses showed the way — 
A pillar of fire to guide by night, 

A pillar of cloud by day, 
So when our path is dark and drear, 
The Star of Bethlehem will appear. 

Fourth Boy. — There was once a boy who was hated 
by his brethren because he was his father's favorite son ; 
they were jealous of him, and cast him into a pit, and 
then sold him into slavery. His master became wroth 
w T ith him and cast him into prison, and while there he 
interpreted dreams for Pharaoh. Then he was made 
ruler over the land of Egypt ; and when there came a 
famine in the land of his father, his brethren came to 
him to buy corn. When he saw his brethren he was 
moved w T ith compassion; he forgave them the wrong 
they had done him, and filled their sacks with corn. 

AIL — When his brethren went down into Egypt, 
And humbly before him stood, 
Good Joseph forgot all their malice 
And overcame evil with good. 
" Dear Lord, forgive us," we daily cry ; 
"As ye forgive," is our Lord's reply. 

Fifth Boy. — A mother who had an only son lent him 
to the Lord as long as he should live. While he was 
yet a boy, he heard a voice calling him in the night, 
and ran to his master, but his master had not called ; 
it was the voice of the Lord that spake. " The boy 



74 BOYS OF THE BIBLE. 

grew, and the Lord was with him, and did let none of 
his words fall to the ground." 

All. — The voice that was heard by Samuel 
Is speaking to us and to you ; 
We will list to its mandates always, 
And w T hatever it bids us, we'll do. 
Through good and through ill our hearts will rejoice, 
Whenever we heed that " still, small voice." 

Sixth Boy. — The Philistines gathered together their 
armies to battle; a great giant came out from among 
them and challenged any one of the Israelites to fight 
him, but not one dared to go. At last a youth stepped 
forth to meet him, armed only with a sling and five 
smooth stones from the brook. He said to the giant, 
" I come to thee in the name of the Lord of Hosts, the 
God of the armies of Israel whom thou hast defied." 
Then he threw a stone and smote the giant, who fell 
upon his face to the earth. 

AIL — There are giants all around us, 

Giants worse than David slew f 
We must ready stand to fight them, 

With a courage brave and true. 
When the Lord is on our side 
The strongest foe may be defied. 

Seventh Boy. — There was a boy who " purposed in his 
heart that he would not defile himself with the portion 
of the king's meat, nor with the wine which he drank." 
He asked that he and three others might have only 
pulse to eat and water to drink. "At. the end of ten 
days their countenances appeared fairer and fatter in 



BOYS OF THE BIBLE. 75 

flesh than all the children which did eat the portion of 
the king's meat," or drank the king's wine. . 

AIL — Whenever we are asked to drink 
The wine so rich and red, 
Like Daniel we will dare to say, 
"O, give to us, instead, 
The water that sparkles with crystal light, 
Then our skins will be clear and our eyes be bright." 

Eighth Boy. — Once, when a babe was born, a multi- 
tude of the heavenly host sang together, " Glory to God 
in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward 
men." 

"And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, 
filled with wisdom ; and the grace of God was upon 
him." 

When He was twelve years old He went with His 
parents to Jerusalem, and when they returned He tarried 
behind and " after three days they found Him in the 
Temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing 
them and asking them questions. And all they that 
heard Him were astonished at His understanding and 
answers." 

AIL — If Jesus, Saviour of mankind, 
Thus walked in wisdom's way, 
Then all who strive to win His love 
Must wiser grow each day. 
To those who do His will 'tis given 
To enter at the gates of heaven. 

Elizabeth Lloyd. 



76 JESUS LOVES ME. 

CHILDREN'S VOICES. 
An Easter Ode. 

Music of bells when the night is gone, 
Music of birds in the dewy dawn, 
Harp and viol and organ note, 
Earthly anthems that heavenward float, 
But under the blue of April skies 
Hark ! how the children's voices rise. 
Innocent praises sweet and gay 
To the risen Lord on Easter Day. 

No lily that opens its golden heart 
But gives to the worship its lowly part 
No singing bird on the budding tree 
But praises the Giver of bounty free, 
And I deem that the children's voices sweet, 
That rise and linger and swell and fleet, 
To the listening angels far away 
Are the sweetest music of Easter Day. 

Sara M. Chatfield. 



JESUS LOVES ME. 

To be recited by twelve little girls, eackexbibiting a letter as she speaks. 

All, in concert — 

We are followers of Jesus, 

And we strive to faithful be ; 
If you note what we shall show you, 

Why we love Him you will see. 



JESUS LOVES ME. 77 

First Little Girl, — 

We aro Joyful little pilgrims, 
J Bound for heaven — a happy band ; 
And there shall no harm befall us, 
We are led by God's own hand. 

We are Eager for His favor, 
E And His praise to us is sweet ; 
And we need not shrink nor falter 
While our Master guides our feet. 

We are Steadfast in our purpose 
S To deserve God's favor here ; 

Then, with spirits glad and fearless, 
May we at His bar appear. 

We are in our work United ; 
U Useful to Him would we be ; 
For we hope to hear Him utter — 
" Child, thou didst it unto me." 

With His Saints shall w T e be numbered, 
S Poor and Sinful though we be ; 

For His righteousness shall cover 
All who to His arms shall flee. 

Loving God, we love His people ; 
L Love fills all our souls with light ; 
Love's divine and Love's eternal, 
With His love our lives are bright. 

We Obey our loving Master, 
O And we heed His blest commands ; 

And we strive to follow Jesus 
With Obedient feet and hands. 



78 JJESUB LOVES ME. 

Satan strives to check our progress, 
V But we Valiantly persist ; 

And our faith shall be Victorious, 
If we Satan's wiles resist. 

Life is Earnest, and we dare not 
E Spend our time in folly's ways ; 

For we know not when He'll call us — 
In old age or childhood's days. 

So we're Shining for Him always, 
S That when'er His call shall come, 

We may answer Him with gladness, 
And need not in fear be dumb. 

Mild and gentle was our Saviour, 
M And He promises the Meek 
That the earth they shall inherit, 
If they but His glory seek. 

For Eternal life we're striving, 
E And we shall Exalted be, 
To a throne fore'er Enduring, 
And Emmanuel shall see. 

All, in concert — 

Now you see what makes us love Him, 

'Tis because He loved us first ; 
And He gave His life to save us — 

Guilty souls by sin accurst. 
Jesus loves me ! We will sing it 

While we live and labor here : 
Jesus loves me ! We'll proclaim it 

When we at His throne appear. 

E. C. & L. J. Eook. 



IF YOU WANT TO BE LOVED. 79 

IF YOU WANT TO BE LOVED. 

" Alas ! no one loves me," a little maid sighed, 
And high in an elm-tree a blue- bird replied 
(His music was set in a soft, minor key), 
" If you want to be loved, you must lovable be." 

" O, what shall I do ?" said this poor little maid, 
And the curl of her lip the secret betrayed, 
" My skin is like lilies, just lovely my hair, 
My dresses are fine, my jewels are rare, 

" But wherever I go they cry in disdain, 
' Ho, there is Miss Lofty !' their scorn is quite plain ; 
If money could win them they'd love me, I know, 
But they toss back th-j gifts I so proudly bestow. 

" There s little Meg Merry, so poor and so plain, 
Yet she wanders about like a queen with her train," 
Then the blue-bird sang loud from his perch in the 

tree, 
" If you want to be loved, you must lovable be." 

But she heard not a word of the bird's merry song, 
Growing vainer and prouder as years passed along ; 
So foolishly fond of her own self was she 
She not for an instant could lovable be. 

Yes, the song of the bird was true every word, 
And plainer instructions I'm sure were ne'er heard, 
Then ponder them well and their worth you will see, 
11 If you want to be loved, you must lovable be." 

Clara J. Denton. 



80 THE LITTLE MOTTO BEARERS. 

THE LITTLE MOTTO BEAEERS. 

For three girls. 

All— 

Little Motto Bearers, we 
Come before you, one, two, three, 
And we ask you to attend 
While our voices now we blend. 
As the soldier, strong to dare, 
Lifts his standard in the air, 
And to all who view the field, 
By his colors 'tis revealed 
On which side his sword he drew, 
To what cause he will be true, 
So, like little soldiers brave, 
We will now our standards wave. 
First Girl.— . 

" Perseverance conquers all " 

Are words both good and true ; 
And this, dear children, is the motto 

That I bring to you. 
In all our work, in all our play, 

In all that we begin, 
We'll find that perseverance brave 

Will make us sure to win. 
Aud now let us resolve at once 

To take this motto ; then, 
Though hard our task we'll not give up, 

But " try, try again." 
Second Girl. — 

" Love thy neighbor as thyself, 

This precept I'll obey ; 



THE LITTLE MOTTO BEARERS. 81 

'Twill make me loving, kind, and good, 

And happy every day. 
I must not be unkind to you, 

For I should sorry be, 
If you, my friends and playmates dear, 

Should act that way to me. 
I must be ready to forgive, 

And sweet forbearance show, 
'Twill not be very hard, I think — 

Because I'll love you so ! 
Third Girl.— 

" What thy hand shall find to do, 

Do with all thy might," 
Is the motto that I bring 

Before you all to-night. 
And I think that we should strive 

To follow this good rule, 
And always do our very best 

At home, at play, at school. 
And most of all, when we resolve 

To do whate'er is right, 
Let us remember these good words, 

And try " with all our might." 



AIL— 



Little Motto Bearers we, 

With our mottoes, one, two, three. 

And now, dear playmates, you we ask 

To help us in our loving task — 

In all we do to persevere, 

Let others as ourselves be dear, 

And while we're striving to do right, 

To work each day with all oar might ! 

Sue S. Morton. 



82 THE NEW SUNDAY-SCHOOL SCHOLAR. 

THE NEW SUNDAY-SCHOOL SCHOLAR. 

A dialogue for four young misses. 

Jennie. — Girls, I noticed on Sunday that none of 
you were at all sociable with the new scholar in our 
class. What was the reason? 

Mary. — The reason ? Why, surely you do not expect 
us to associate with that poorly dressed girl, do you ? 
If you choose to patronize her you may do so, but for 
my part I do not recognize such acquaintances. 

Carrie. — Nor I. Our teacher gave her a seat beside 
me on Sunday, and I nearly ruined my new green silk 
squeezing myself into the corner to avoid touching her. 

Kate. — Yes, Carrie, I really pitied you, for the dress 
she wore might have been imported in the Mayflower, to 
judge from its appearance. I am glad I was not near 
her. I could not have listened to the lesson, for I have 
to be so particular about those with whom I come in 
contact, my new suit soils so easily. 

Jennie. — For shame, girls! I am surprised at your 
words. I am sure her dress was whole and clean, if it 
was well worn. As we walked together on our way 
home she told me that her father was accidentally killed 
while trying to save the life of another, and since that 
time the support of the family has devolved on her 
mother, who is trying to keep the children at school as 
long as possible, so that they may not suffer from the 
want of education when they get older. She appeared 
amiable and intelligent, and I was very much pleased 
with her and intend to get better acquainted with her 
before long. 

Mary. — Well, you are welcome to do so. I must say 
I admired your moral courage when you walked out of 



THE NEW SUNDAY-SCHOOL SCHOLAR. 83 

church side by side with such a poor-looking girl, but 
my pride would not allow me to do such a thing. 

Kate. — Nor mine. Just fancy my promenading 
along at her side and suddenly encountering Clementina 
MaePherson, who thinks so much of style and appear- 
ance. It gives me a chill even now to think of the 
manner in which she would survey my companion from 
head to foot. I fear she would give me the cut direct 
at our next meeting, for she moves in none but the most 
select circles. 

Carrie. — Yes, it is too bad. I have always taken 
such pride in our Sunday-school class; it is composed 
of such perfect ladies. To be sure, some of them are not 
very intelligent, but then they are so rich and dress so 
well that one can excuse poor reading, bad grammar, 
and such trifles ; but when it comes to bringing such a 
shabbily dressed girl into the class, I think it is dis- 
graceful. 

Mary. — So do I. Did you notice what an air she 
assumed when she answered all the most difficult ques- 
tions in the lesson? I do detest self-conceit. I shall 
certainly leave the class if she continues her attend- 
ance. 

Jennie. — Why, girls, do you expect heaven to be 
filled exclusively with rich folks? Do you think that 
the soul of a poor child is not as dear to God as that of 
a rich one ? When Jesus was on earth, and called lit- 
tle children to His side and blessed them, do you think 
He singled out the well dressed ones and passed the 
others without notice ? Ah ! no. He said, " Suffer little 
children to come unto me." He forbade them not, even 
though their forms were poorly clad. They were all 
His lambs, rich and poor alike. Do you think the 



84 THE NEW SUNDAY-SCHOOL SCHOLAR. 

proud Miss MacPherson would be half so likely to 
receive His blessing as our new scholar with her gentle, 
childlike face. Now, girls, I appeal to your better 
nature, to your conscience ; I have told you the girl's 
story ; she is intelligent and respectable, though poor. 
She came into our school a stranger. The superintendent 
put her into our class. Now, are we, the regular 
attendants of a Sabbath-school class, to turn our backs 
on her and treat her with contempt simply because she 
is poor? I could see that she was hurt and grieved by 
your conduct last Sabbath in so pointedly avoiding her ; 
and now I candidly ask you, girls, are you not sorry for 
your conduct, and will you not try with me to make 
our new classmate feel at home among us? Kemember, 
Jesus said, " Whoso shall offend one of these little ones 
that believe in me, it were better for him* that a mill- 
stone were hanged about his neck and that he were 
drowned in the depth of the sea." 

Mary. — Well, I must confess that you have presented 
the matter to me in a new light, and I, for one, am 
heartily sorry that I treated her so coolly. I will try 
to do better in the future, for I begin to realize that it 
was not only the wealthy classes of which Jesus spoke 
when He called them His little ones. Girls, I have 
resolved that henceforth I will be more sociable and 
friendly with the new scholar. 

Carrie. — And I will do the same. For as Jennie was 
speaking, the thought came into my mind that some 
day the time will come for me to enter the kingdom of 
heaven as a new comer, and how terrible it would be 
if Christ would have no welcome for me, for my fine 
clothes will not avail me there. It will be only my 
love to Him and His little ones that will commend me 



HONOR THY FATHER AND THY MOTHER. 85 

to Him, and from this day forward I will try, with His 
help, to do better. 

Kate. — I suppose I shall have to follow your example, 
and try to conquer my pride. For I remember now 
that I have read in God's word, "If a man say, I love 
God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar; for he that 
loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he 
love God whom he hath not seen ? And this command- 
ment have we from Him: That he who loveth God 
loveth his brother also." So I will try to please Him by 
being more cordial and friendly next Sabbath with the 
new scholar. 

Mrs. M. Ella Cornell. 



HONOR THY FATHER AND THY MOTHER. 

A dialogue for two boys. 
CHARACTERS. 
Fred and Ned. 

Fred should be well-dressed and carry a book, a Sunday-school 
paper, and a " lesson paper.'' 

Ned must be shabbily dressed and carry a home-made fishing pole. 
Both should wear hats. They meet in centre of the stage. 

Ned. — Hello, Fred, where are you going ? 

Fred. — Good afternoon, Ned. I'm going home. I've 
been to Sunday-school. * 

Ned (sneeringly). — O, yes, I see, good boy, but [com- 
ing closer], what have you there ? 

Fred {displaying them). — My Sunday-school paper, a 
card my teacher gave me, and this handsome book, 
which was presented by the Sunday-school for reciting 
the Commandments perfectly. 



86 HONOR THY FATHER AND THY MOTHER. 

Ned (reading the title?). — " Jo's Boys.'' That's the 
very book I have long been wanting to read ; do they 
give it to every one that recites the Command- 
ments? 

Fred. — They did. But the time was up to-day. 

Ned. — I wish I'd known it. 

Fred. — Well, why haven't you been to Sunday-school 
in so many weeks ? Did your mother let you go fishing 
to-day ? 

Ned (shrugging his shoulders). — Not much. My 
mother and father are both off visiting. I'm staying 
with our next-door neighbor and she doesn't watch me 
very closely, you know. 

Fred. — So that's the reason you haven't been to Sun- 
day-school lately ? 

Ned. — Yes, that's just the reason. When mother 
gets home she'll start me off again, I expect. 

Fred. — But don't you remember, Ned, the Command- 
ment says, " Honor thy father and thy mother." 

Ned. — Yes, I know, and that means obey, and I tell 
you don't I do that ? I have to, when they're at home, 
or else take a licking. 

Fred. — Yes, but our teacher told us about that. I 
can't make it as plain as she did, but she said when we 
did bad things people always said : " O, that boy's 
mother can't be very good or she'd have taught him 
better," and then you see that's the way we dis-honor 
our mothers. 

Ned. — I never thought of it in that way before. 

Fred. — And you wouldn't like to have people think 
your mother lets you go fishing on Sunday, would you ? 

Ned.— No, I don't think I should. 

Fred.- -I know it makes a fellow feel awful mean to 



HONOR THY FATHER AND THY MOTHER. 87 

have folks say things about his mother. Last Sunda} r 
night at church I sat with Willie Smith and we whis- 
pered some ; so, when we were coming out in the crowd, 
I heard a lady say, I should think Mrs. Brown would 
teach Fred not to whisper in church. 

Ned. — Then weren't you mad, though ? 

Fred. — Yes, but mad at myself, for it was only that 
very afternoon that our teacher had talked to us about 
honoring our parents. 

Ned. — Well, I wish I had thought of it in this way 
before. This afternoon as I was coming back from the 
creek I met some good friends of my mother's driving 
home from church. I was scared when I saw them, 
because I thought, now they'll tell mother and she'll tell 
father and I'll get a thrashing. They looked at me 
awful sharp and seemed to be talking about me among 
themselves, but maybe, after all, they were saying hard 
things about father and mother. 

Fred. — Most likely they were, because my teacher 
says that's the way people always do ; they throw the 
blame right back upon the poor parents, so, you see, 
Ned, a fellow ought to be careful. 

Ned.- — Yes, yes, I see. Look here, I'll not be seen 
again carrying this pole through the streets. I'm going 
to break it {breaks it and throws it away and puts the 
line in his pocket), and next Sunday you may look for 
mc at Sunday-school. 

Fred. — Good for you, Ned, and now I must hurry on 
or I shall be late to dinner and cook will say : " I do 
wish Mrs. Brown would teach Fred to come straight 
home from Sunday -school. ,, (Ooing.) 

Ned {also going, but looking back and calling aloud). — 
This honor business keeps a fellow looking out, doesn't i t ? 



88 NAAMAN, THE LEPER. 

Fred (looking back). — Well, I should think so ; good- 
bye. Be sure to come next Sunday. 
Ned. — Yes, yes, good-bye. 
Fred. — Good-bye. 

(Exeunt.) 

Clara J. Denton. 



NAAMAN, THE LEPER. 

II Kings v. 

This may be used as a simple dialogue, or in costume with dramatic 

effects. 

Scene I. 

[In palace in Syria; Maiden in Eastern dress looking from 
windoiv.~\ 

Maiden (speaking). — How great he is, decked in gold 
and gems, and of such noble mien. I should be proud of 
him were he a warrior of the King of Israel. But why 
did my mistress tremble as I looked on him ? I dare 
ask her, she is so good and kind to me. There is a grief 
in her heart. Does her lord not love her? She comes. 
[Enter Lady, in Syrian costumed] 

Lady. — Ah, little one, my pet, and why so grave? Is 
not this sky as fair as thine ? Canst thou not call this 
home, as if thou wert in thine own land? 

Maiden. — Wouldst thou not sigh to see the great pur- 
ple hills that lie about Jerusalem? 

Lady. — But I will give thee a golden -girdle and thou 
shalt sit with me beside the column as the companies of 
horse go by. 



NAAMAN, THE LEPER. 89 

Maiden. — I love thee, lady, if I sigh for thee. 

Lady, — For me ? 

Maiden. — Ah, yes ! thou knowest not how good it is 
to live so close to the Great Temple and hear the chants ; 
but it was not for that I sighed. 

Lady. — Why then, sweet maid ? 

Maiden. — I sighed — ah ! should I tell ? 

Lady. — I bid thee. 

Maiden. — I sighed that thou didst sigh. There is some 
sorrow close to thee, and in its shadow thou lovest to sit. 
I thought perhaps your lord — 

Jjndy. — He is like the morning to me. He is my sun. 

Maiden. — Then he does love thee ? 

Lady. — As the bird loves its mate, as the day its 
light, as the night its stars. 

Maiden. — And yet thou art not happy ? 

Lady. — Thou art fair and good, my child, and lovest 
me, though thou worshipest not with me and servest not 
in our temple. Naaman, my husband, is — he is — a 
leper. 

Maiden (weeping).— And why not call upon the King 
and send for all the great physicians, that he be cleansed ? 

Tjady. — The King honors him and places before him 
all great offerings, but he can cause none to heal him. 
It is his doom, alas ! 

Maiden. — Why say you so? I would he were in 
Samaria. 

Lady. — Samaria? Is there another of the fountains 
there whose waters scorch and burn, but never heal? 

Maiden. — Ah, no ! A man of God is there, and he 
can recover Jiim of his leprosy. 

Lady. — Go hence! I would hear no more. 
[Maiden goes out.~\ 



90 NAAMAN, THE LEPER. 

Lady (alone), — What said she ? A prophet of the 
Lord to heal my love ? To bid him walk in the full 
glory of his strength and unabashed, my Naaman ? It 
cannot be ! Are there not gods in Syria ? But let me 
find my husband while he is weary with the heat and 
minister to him. 

Scene II. 

[Room in house in Jerusalem.'] 

[Father and mother of the captive maiden.'] 

Mother. — Alas ! I mourn for her and cannot be com- 
forted. 

Father. — Yet God is good. 

Mother. — Ah my little one, light of my heart ! where 
is she ? With the Syrian King ? 

Father. — And if so, is not the God of Israel there ? I 
will go into the street and hear the rumor from the 
Palace. 

[Mother sits alone and weeps.] 
[Father enters again.] 

Father. — Now God be praised ! There came a mes- 
senger from Syria this morn, and a wonderful tale he 
tells. 

Mother. — Tell it not to me. Syria is but a tomb. 
They took thither my one sweet lamb. Ah, if I 
dared I would call on the King of Israel to curse Syria. 

Father. — But listen. There is a man of might and 
power there, much honored by the King ; but he is a 
leper — Naaman by name. The King of Syria sends to 
the King of Israel six thousand pieces of gold, and 
many gifts, that he may heal the leper. And the mes- 
senger says a little maiden told her mistress of our 



NAAMAN, THE LEPER. 91 

prophet, Elisha. Who could that be but our own 
child, since she so trusted in him and the prophet so 
loved her? 

Mother. — And will the King do anything ? 

Father. — What should he do ? Kings are not always 
prophets. 

Mother. — But is there naught for us to do ? — no way 
to serve our child ? I'll tell thee what to do. Thou 
must go to Elisha, and there thou must bear the word 
from him to the King of Israel. 

Scene III. 
\_Sa7ne place and characters."] 

Father. — Now God be praised ! The power of heaven 
rested on Elisha, and the leper was cleansed. 

Mother. — But how ? You did not see, you did not 
touch the leper. 

Father. — Shame on your fears. The river of Jordan 
cleansed him, but God's power was there, and Elisha 
was His servant to direct it. He bade me tell thee not 
to weep for thy child, for the God of Israel would keep 
her. 

Mother. — And if she lives and serves our God even in 
Syria, why should I be as one childless? I'll send her 
now my evening prayer and hold her in my heart of 
faith. * 

Scene IV. 

[In Syria. The little maiden sits alone.'] 

Maiden. — Well do I remember what Elisha said to 
me, that where'er I was I must serve the living God. 
Did he know that I would be forced from Jerusalem 



92 NAAMAN, THE LEPER. 

and hope no more for the voice of my mother, or to hear 
my father chant the holy songs. Alas, for me ! I am but 
a child, and yet a slave. [Enter her mistress.] 

Lady. — Oh, loved one ! What shall I do for thee — 
how serve thee ? Wouldst thou return to Jerusalem ? 
Thou hast been my helper. Thou hast brought me joy 
and gladness. Tell me, what wilt thou ? 

Maiden. — What have I done for thee, but prayed ? 

Lady. — My lord is healed. Thy friend, the prophet, 
bade him wash in Jordan, and he is cleansed. Tell me, 
is Jordan like the rivers of Syria ? 

Maiden.. — Jordan is like other rivers. It was the 
prophet of the Lord gave healing to the water. I love 
my home and to worship with my father and mother, 
but I will stay with thee. 

Lady. — Ah, little one ! why sayest thou so ? Do they 
not mourn for thee? and would they not think me 
ungrateful to keep thee as my servant, when thou hast 
done for me this great good ? 

Maiden. — We are all one in Israel. I stay here lest 
you should forget that there is a God greater than thy 
temples know. 

Lady. — And wilt thou tell me of Him ? 

Maiden. — I am a little child ; I have little faith ; but 
I love Him, and Elisha is my friend. I know they 
w:ould all bid me stay and serve God here. 

Lady. — Thou shalt no longer be as a servant, but 
ever my dear companion, and we will talk of Jordan 
and the purple hills around about Jerusalem, and, if I 
may, 111 pray with thee, and perchance the God of 
Israel will hear my thanks for my beloved Naaman, for 
now he is fair to look upon and is not abashed before 
the hosts of Syria. [ Goes out] 



WHERE SHALL WE FIND GOD? 93 

Maiden {alone). — A child I am to serve and wait, and 
yet I bore a blessing into a strange land. 
" I will praise thee, O, Lord ! 
I will show forth thy marvelous works." 
(End.) 

Mrs. L. M. Willis. 



WHERE SHALL WE FIND GOD? 

Upon an arch, under which the children stand, must be 
printed, 

WHERE SHALL WE FIND GOD? 

First Child (in the sunshine). — 

Over hills and over woodlands 

Falls the sunlight bright and glad, 
Driving gloomy shadows from us, 
Chasing out the dull and sad. 

Shining on the dancing water, 

Falling on the far-off hill, 
Lighting up the fertile valley, 

Sparkling on the running rill, 

Like God's mercy, ever falling 

On the darkest, lowliest life, 
Bringing thoughts of light and goodness, 

Quelling thoughts of sin and strife. 

Never lurks a darksome corner 
But some sunbeam wanders there, 

Puts its golden finger in it, 

Lights it with its radiance fair. 



94 WHERE SHALL WE FIND GOD? 

On the lowliest, tiniest flower 

Growing in the emerald sod, 
Falls its smile to cheer and strengthen 

Like the ready love of God. 

Can we fail to see His presence 
In the sunlight glad and gay, 

Bringing flowers from earth and darkness, 
Life and beauty from decay ? 

Second Child (in the storm). — 

Where find I God ? not only in the sunshine, 

Or flowers that bloom within the summer's hand, 
Not only in the white clouds tipped with brightness, 

Or in the fruit and plenty of the land ; 

I find Him in the storms that rage in winter, 
I find Him in the ice-bound land and snow, 

I hear Him in the winds that moan and threaten, 
And in the distant thunder's muttering low. 

Not only in the ease of peace and plenty, 
Not only in life's sunny summer day, 

But when the dark rain-clouds of sorrow gather 
And night comes on with shadows sad and gray. 

'Tis then I feel the Father draweth nearer, 
To lift us gently by His outstretched hand, 

Guiding us on, through seas of sin and sadness, 
Into that blessed, golden summer land. 

Third Child (in the flowers). — 

Golden rod and purple asters, 
Cardinal flowers red and blue, 



WHERE SHALL WE FIND GOD? 95 

Burning bush and flaming maple, 
Woodbine clinging firm and true. 

Look around upon this beauty 

Glowing from each flower and tree, 

"lis through these, His sweet productions, 
God, the Father, speaks to thee. 

God of old to prophets whispered 
From the burning bush divine ; 

Gave the budding rod of Aaron 
As a signal and a sign. 

Shall He look to-day and find us 
Deafer than those men of old ? 

To His lessons dull and stupid, 
To His pleadings dead and cold ? 

Listen to God's word around us, 
Teaching us of hope and love, 

Striving to uplift and guide us, 
Fitting us for life above. 

Fourth Child {God all in all). — 

God is in summer flowers that rise, 
In birds that carol to the skies. 
But is He less in noxious weed, 
In poison root and deadly seed, 
In slimy things that creep and crawl, 
Since He is ever all in all? 

"We know that God is in the heart 
Untainted by life's worldly part, 



96 WHERE SHALL WE FIND GOD? 

In childhood's innocence and glee, 
In love and truth and loyalty. 
But what of those who sin and fall 
Accursed, while God is all in all? 

God of the calm of summer seas, 
God of the stars and gentle breeze, 
God of the darkness and the night, 
The storm clouds and their flashing light ; 
God of the deeps, whose tempests call, 
Since He is ever all in all. 

Love's lips are warm, life's wine is red, 
And God is reigning overhead ; 
But loves prove false, the wine is spilled — 
The ecstasy and joy are stilted — 
Death drops its silent funeral pall 
Above us — God is all in all. 

O blessed words ! O thought divine ! 
To cheer us when we would repine, 
To lift or hearts above earth's blight, 
To the eternal, fadeless light. 
Earth has no ill that can appall 
The soul that owns God all in all. 

Edith Willis Linn. 



THE TREE OF SPIRITUAL BLESSINGS. 97 



THE TREE OF SPIRITUAL BLESSINGS. 

PARTICIPANTS. 

Eight young ladies and seven little girls. In the background a Christ- 
mas tree, adorned with card-board shields or banners bearing the follow- 
ing inscriptions : 

Peace. Diligence. Hope. 

Joy. Knowledge. Meekness. 

Gentleness. Goodness. Patience. 

Long-suffering. Faith. Love. 

Temperance. Pusity. 

[Eight young ladies stand ing in a semicircle before the 

tree.] 

First Speaker. — Behold this tree, my sisters ; it beareth 
all manner of precious fruits, which are not sold, but 
given freely to all who ask in faith, believing that they 
shall receive. Its supply has never failed and never 
will, so long as time endures. There is always sufficient 
fruit to meet the demands made upon it by all who 
come. The path leading to this wonderful tree was 
pointed out to us by the Saviour of the world, who said, 
" I am the way," and told us of the fruit of the Spirit 
which should be the portion of each one of His believ- 
ing disciples. Some of you may have tasted of its pre- 
cious fruits but are still longing for more, for, unlike the 
i trees of earth, its fruit is of such endless variety that he 
who partakes is never satiated, but ever longs for more. 
Come, my sisters, ask and ye shall receive that which 
shall satisfy the thirsty soul and fainting spirit. 

Second Speaker. — Does this tree bear aught for me? 
I shrink in terror as I think of my long neglect of Him 
who died to save me. Has my repentance come too late, 
or does the tree bear fruit for the healing of a broken 
heart? 
7 



98 THE TREE OF SPIRITUAL BLESSINGS. 

First Speaker, — Fear not, my sister ; one fruit of the 
Spirit is Peace, and see, it hangs upon the branch ready 
at your hand. Take this peace of God which passeth 
all understanding. It is yours. 

Third Speaker. — I, too, would taste of the fruit of 
this tree ; sorrow has been my portion and through 
bereavement I have been led to the foot of the cross. 
Is there any fruit that will meet my need ? 

First Speaker. — What your stricken heart needs, my 
sister, is Joy. Here is the fruit that will yield you the 
oil of joy for mourning and the garment of praise for 
the spirit of heaviness. 

Fourth Speaker. — I, too, am one who needs the help 
of the spiritual fruit given by Christ ; a hasty temper is 
my besetting sin. Can you give me what will help me 
overcome my fault ? 

First Speaker. — Yes, sister, the thing thou lackest is 
given by Him who withholdeth no good thing from His 
children. Gentleness is here ! Claim it, and when thou 
hast become a conqueror, exclaim : " It is Thy Spirit 
that hath enabled me to be gentle, showing all meekness 
unto all men." 

Fifth Speaker, — My feet, too, have striven to tread the 
path of life, but the trials that beset my way are so great 
that sometimes my spirit well-nigh faints. Does this 
tree bear aught for my need ? 

First Speaker. — Long-suffering is the fruit that will 
supply the need of thy soul, and we find it here. When 
thy patience is tried by others, remember that Christ 
tells us to exercise long-suffering, forbearing one another 
in love. 

Sixth Speaker. — My great need is only too apparent 
to me. Paul telis us that everv man that striveth for 



THE TREE OF SPIRITUAL BLESSINGS. 99 

the mastery is temperate in all things ; this is where I 
fail. Can this tree yield a fruit which will help me 
overcome the hasty impulses of a body striving to yield 
itself in subjection to the Saviour? 

First Speaker. — Yes, Temperance grows here. It is 
the virtue that suits your need, and with God's help you 
may become just, holy, and temperate in all things. 

Seventh Speaker. — In me behold one w T hose careless- 
ness and thoughtlessness have oft brought sorrow to the 
hearts of loved ones. Is there any fruit of the tree to 
remedy such faults of character as mine ? 

First Speaker. — Truly, Diligence groweth here : with 
its aid and the blessing of Christ, you can overcome the 
faults you bewail. The Bible charges you, "Keep your 
heart with all diligence, for out of it are the issues of 
life. ,, 

Eighth Speaker. — I long for a greater and moie per- 
fect appreciation of the character of the Redeemer. 
My finite mind cannot grasp the idea of the infinite Gocl. 
What fruit does the tree yield for me ? 

First Speaker. — What you need is Knowledge. It is 
here, waiting for you to claim it, and may Christ, " in 
whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowl- 
edge," open your mind and understanding to a more 
perfect conception of His character. 

[Enter seven little girls.'] 

First Little Girl. — We, on account of our youth, are 
not yet able to do much for the Master, but we have 
given Him the first place in our affections, and we, too, 
would partake of the benefits which flow from adoption 
into the household of God. Is there any fruit remain- 
ing for us ? 

First Young Lady. — Yes, here is the fruit of Good- 



100 THE TREE OF SPIRITUAL BLESSINGS. 

ness for you ; and listen to the promise from God's word, 
" Love your enemies and do good, and ye shall be the 
children of the Highest." 

(Addressing second little girl:) — And for you, my 
child, here is Faith which is one of the sweetest fruits 
that the Spiritual Tree yieldeth. Take it, and may it 
never fail you in an hour of need. 

Third Little Girl. — If I may choose, I beg that Purity 
may be mine. 

Fourth Little Girl. — And I entreat that Hope may be 
given to me to cheer me through the changing scenes of 
life. 

First Young I^ady.— -They are yours ; this never-fail- 
ing supply meets the wants of all. Here you will find 
that Hope that maketh not ashamed, and Purity of 
heart, which must be yours if you would see the King in 
His beauty throughout all eternity. 

Fifth Little Girl. — I choose Meekness to be my por- 
tion from the Tree of Blessing. 

Sixth Little Girl. — And I ask for Patience, that it 
may have its perfect work exemplified in my life. 

First Young Lady. — They are here, and are yours if 
you ask in faith, nothing doubting, for the fruit of the 
Spirit can be claimed even by children. 

Seventh Little Girl.— I sun a very small follower of 
Jesus, but I ask a great gift. I wonder that none of my 
companions have claimed it before. I desire that Love 
may be my portion of the fruit of the tree. 

First Young Lady. — My child, the Love you ask for, 
is yours. The reason none of your sisters have claimed 
it, is that they already possess it. It is the love of God 
toward us that ^ives us this fruit of the Spirit, and our 
love for God that prompts each one to ask these gifts, 



AN EASTER SERVICE. 101 

which without it she could not claim. Christ's heart 
was filled with love for little children, and it is meet 
that love for Him should early find a place in your 
heart. He is the great giver of all these gifts, so freely 
bestowed upon His followers. Each of these is good in 
itself, but better than all is the One who died, that 
through His blood we might be saved. Let us all join 
in a song of praise to the Saviour of the world, Jesus, 
who is better than all. 

[The first speaker may have a golden wand, and point to 
the inscriptions as they are mentioned, or may take the 
shields from the tree and hand them to the participants 
when asked for.] : 

Mrs. M. Ella Cornell. 



AN EASTER SERVICE. 

In this service no attempt is made to provide for either carols or prayers. 
These are left to the discretion of each particular school, and may be 
interspersed throughout the service wherever so designated. 

No. 1.— Singing by school or choir. 
" 2. — Prayer. 

« 3. — Responsive reading of following verses by 
Superintendent and school, 

[These verses are selected from Exodus xii.] 

Superintendent — Speak ye unto all the congregation 
of Israel, sayiug : In the tenth day of this month they 
shall take to them every man a lamb, according to the 
house of their fathers, a lamb for an house. — 3d verse. 

School. — Your lamb shall be without blemish, a male 
of the first year; ye shall take it out from the sheep or 
from the goats.— 5th verse. 



102 AN EASTER SERVICE. 

Superintendent — And ye shall keep it up until the 
fourteenth day of the same month ; and the whole 
assembly of the congregation of Israel shall kill it in 
the evening. — 6th verse. 

School. — And they shall take of the blood and strike 
it on the two side posts and on the upper door-post of 
the houses wherein they shall eat it. — 7th verse. 

Superintendent — And they shall eat the flesh in that 
night — roast with fire and unleavened bread ; and with 
bitter herbs shall they eat it. — 8th verse. 

School. — And thus shall ye eat it; with your loins 
girded, your shoes on your feet, and your staff in your 
hand ; and ye shall eat it in haste; it is the Lord's pass- - 
over. — 11th verse. 

Superintendent — For I will pass through the land of 
Egypt this night, and will smite all the first-born in the 
land of Egypt, both man and beast ; and against all the 
gods of Egypt I will execute judgment : I am the Lord. 
— 12th verse. 

School. — And the blood shall be to you for a 
token upon the houses where ye are, and when I 
see the blood, I will pass over you, and the plague shall 
not be upon you to destroy you when I smite the land 
of Egypt. — 13th verse. 

Superintendent— And ye shall observe the feast of un- 
leavened bread, for in this self-same day have I brought 
your armies out of the land of Egypt ; therefore shall 
ye observe this day in your generations by an ordinance 
forever. — 17th verse. 

School.— Seven days shall there be no leaven found in 
your houses.— Part of 19th verse. Ye shall eat nothing 
leavened; in all your habitations shall ye eat un- 
leavened bread. — 20th verse. 



AN EASTER SERVICE. 103 

Superintendent — And it came to pass, that at mid- 
night the Lord smote ail the first-born in the land of 
Egypt, from the first-born of Pharaoh that sat on his 
throne nnto the first- born of the captive that was in the 
dungeon, and all the first-born of cattle. — 29th verse. 

School. — And Pharaoh rose up in the night, he and 
all his servants, and ail the Egyptians; and there was a 
great cry in Egypt ; for there was not a house where 
there was not one dead. — 30th verse. 

Superintendent. — And he called for Moses and Aaron 
by night, and said : Rise up, and get you forth from 
among my people, both ye and the children of Israel, 
and go serve the Lord, as ye have said. —31st verse. 

School. — And the people took their dough before it 

was leavened, their kneading troughs being bound up 
in their clothes upon their shoulders. — 34th verse. 

Superintendent. — It is a night to be much observed 
unto the Lord for bringing them out of the land of 
Egypt.— Part of 42d verse. 

School. — And the Lord said unto Moses and Aaron, 
This is the ordinance of the passover. All the congre- 
gation of Israel shall keep it. — Part of 43d and whole 
of 47th verses. 

No. 4. — Recitation by Class Number One of these 
verses : 

For even Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us. 

Therefore let us keep the feast not with the old leaven, 
neither with the leaven of malice and wickedness; but 
with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth. — I Cor. 
v, part of 7th and all of 8th verse. 

No. 5. — Sino-inor 

No. 6. — Responsive reading of the first ten verses of 
the twentieth chapter of the Gospel of St. John. 



104 AN EASTER SERVICE. 

No. 7. — Keeitation by Infant Class of following verse : 
[Let this class rise.] 

Ye seek Jesus of Nazareth which was crucified ; He is 
risen, He is not here. — Mark xvi, part of 6th verse. 

No. 8. — Recitation by Class Number Two of follow- 
ing verses : 

Knowing that Christ, being dead, dieth no more, death 
hath no more dominion over Him. 

For in that He died, He died unto sin once ; but in that 
He liveth, He liveth unto God. — Romans vi, 9th and 
10th verses. 

No. 9. — Recitation by Class Number Three : 

Likewise reckon ye yourselves to be dead indeed unto 
sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our 
Lord. 

Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal bodies that 
ye should obey it. — Romans vi, 11th and part of 12th 
verses. 

]sr 0# 10.— Recitation by Class Number Four: 

But now is Christ risen from the dead and become 
the first fruits of them that slept. 

For since by man came death, by man came also the 
resurrection of the dead. 

For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be 
made alive.— I Cor. xv, 20th, 21st, and 22d verses. 
[These verses may, if preferred, be divided among a larger 
number of classes.'] 

No. 11. — Singing (solo if possible). 

No. 12.— Recitation by three little girls, each carry- 
ing flowers : 
First Speaker. — 

Sing, O earth, in triumph sing, 
Conquered now is Nature's King ; 



AN EASTER SERVICE. 105 

In the dust his sceptre falls, 
Crownless Death no more appalls. 

[She places her flowers on the table or altar, while with the 
other two speakers she recites the following verse :] 

Easter flowers sweet and fair 
Scatter o'er the shrine of prayer ; 
Speechless, yet their perfumed breath 
Message bears of vanquished Death. 
Second Speaker. — 

Risen Lord, this Easter morn, 
Higher by Thy Love upborne, 
May our souls, on lightsome wings, 
Soar where joy supernal springs. 

[She places her flowers as did the other speaker, while all 
three together again recite the verse beginning .*] 

Easter flowers sweet and fair. 

Third Speaker. — 

Sing, O earth, in rapture sing, 
Fallen now is Nature's King ; 
May my soul no more repine, 
Christ, the risen Christ, is thine. 

[She places her flowers on the altar and all recite 
together, as before, the verses beginning , "Easter flow- 
ers sweet and fair 'J "] 

No. 13. — Responsive reading by the Superintendent 
and Teachers of Acts ii, from 22d to 36th verse inclu- 
sive. [Teachers rise, school remains seated.'] 
No. 14. — Singing. 

No. 15. — An exercise and recitation by six young 
girls. 



106 AN EASTER SERVICE. 

[For this exercise an arch must be prepared with a white 
background ; the edges should be trimmed either with 
flowers or evergreens ; at equal distances on this white 
surface must be driven six small hooks or nails; the arch 
must be of a height to allow the speakers to stand easily 
beneath it ; they should all, of course, be of nearly the same 
height; each girl carries in her hand a certain letter made 
oj paste-board and covered with either flowers or ever- 
greens, b at the covering of the letters and the trimmings 
of the arch should correspond. As each speaker comes 
up she hangs her letter on its particular nail, then takes 
her place beneath the arch and recites her verse; the 
second speaker should be close at hand to promptly step 
forward and hang her letter the moment the other has 
finished speaking, and so on throughout the six. The 
word "arisen" will then be found on ike arch. They 
should retain their places until the close of the singing 
by the choir, which must follow immediately after the last 
text is recited.'] 

[ Texts for this exercise.'] 

A. — And it shall come to pass that whoever shall call 
upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. — Acts ii, 21. 

R. — Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the 
name of Jesus Christ, for the remission of sins. — Acts 
xi, 38. 

I. — I am the good Shepherd. The good Shepherd giv- 
eth His life for the sheep.— John x, 11. 

8. — Seek ye first the kingdom of God and His right- 
eousness and all these things shall be added unto you. 
—Matt, v, 33. 

E. — Enter ye in at the straight gate, for wide is the 
gate and broad is the way that leadeth to destruc- 



AN EASTER SERVICE. 107 

tion, and many there be which go in thereat. — Matt. 
vii, 13. 

N. — Neither is there salvation in any other, for there 
is none other name given among men whereby we must 
be saved. — Acts iv, 12. 

No. 16. — Singing by the choir. 

No. 17. — Responsive exercise by the school. [Selected 
from Psalms xxiv and xxxiv.] 

Boys. — Lift up your heads, O, ye gates, and be ye lift 
up, ye everlasting doors. 

Girls. — And the King of Glory shall come in. 
Boys. — Who is this King of Glory ? 
Girls. — The Lord strong and mighty, the Lord mighty 
in battle. 

Boys and Girls together. — Lift up your heads, O ye 
gates, even lift them up, ye everlasting doors, and the 
King of Glory shall come in. 

Boys. — Who is this King of Glory? 
Girls. — The Lord of hosts, He is the King of Glory. 
Boys and Girls together. — The Lord redeemeth the soul 
of His servants, and none of them that trust in Him shall 
be left desolate. 

No. 18. — Collection of Easter offering. 
No. 19. — A class exercise. \_To be committed to 
memory.'] 

Teacher. — For what should we this day give thanks ? 
Scholars. — For a risen Saviour. 
Teacher. — How does His death benefit us? 
Scholars. — Death is swallowed up in victory. — I Cor- 
xv, last clause 54th verse. 

Teacher. — Did Christ's work for us cease at His resur- 
rection ? 
Scholars. — It is Christ that died, yea, rather that is 



108 COUNT ME. 

risen a^iin, who is even at the right hand of God, who 
also maketh intercession for us. — Romans viii, 34th 
verse. 

Teacher, — In what way can we show that we are 
spiritual partakers of Christ's resurrection ? 

Scholars. — If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those 
things w T hich are above where Christ sitteth on the right 
hand of God. — Col. iii, 1st verse. 

Teacher, — What then should be our steadfast aim ? 

Scholars. — Set your affections on things above, and 
not on things on the earth. — Col. iii, 2d verse. 

No. 20. — Singing by the school. 

No. 21.— School rises and repeats the Lord's Prayer. 
Benediction. 

Clara J. Denton. 



COUNT ME, 

* AN INCIDENT IN ROMAN HISTORY. 

The Roman army f after several days of fighting, harassed and almost 
surrounded by an enemy much superior in numbers, grew discouraged. 
A party of the soldiers around a watch-fire were comparing their numbers 
with those ofc the enemy, when their general advanced from the darkness 
and asked : " How many do you count me?" 



A night time, black and lowering, 

Gray shadows near and far, 
That seem to move and flicker 

In shape of steed and car ; 
The red flames of the watch-fires, 

With crackle, smoke, and glare, 
Show where the Roman army 

Is crouching in its lair. 



COUNT ME. 109 

The red light glints and flicker* 

On breast-plate, sword, and shield, 
Where the stern, sullen soldiers, 

Too proud to fly or yield, 
Count up the foe men lying 

In ambush left and right, 
In serried ranks before them, 

Waiting the morning light. 

And then they number slowly, 

In bitter tones of dread, 
Their broken, wasted cohorts, 

Less the red piles of dead. 
" One to ten foemen is it ?" 

" Nay, worse, unless we call 
The number of our wounded, 

As they were fighters all." 

There strode an armed figure 

Out of the gloom around ; 
" Our General l" cried the soldiers, 

Up-springing from the ground. 
With fearless smile he questioned, 

Conscious of mastery, 
Reproachful and yet cheering, 

" How many count ye me ?" 

We, soldiers of Christ's army, 

Count over many a time, 
The hosts of evil rampant, 

The shame, the sin, the crime. 
On each side raging passion ; 

Before, the unbelief; 



110 COUNT ME. 

The crowding ranks of evil, 
The triumph of their chief. 

And in a doubtful whisper 

Our broken line we scan ; 
There fell our noblest wounded, 

Here falls our bravest man. 
Alas ! for there are traitors, 

And so our hearts grow weak, 
And, darkly crowding on us, 

Come doubts we will not speak. 

Oh! Thou, who wearest power, 

Where erst the thorns were wound, 
Who holdest heaven's sceptre 

In hands once fetter bound ; 
Now, from the darkness speaking, 

Conqueror of Calvary ! 
Say, with Thy smile of victory, 

" How many count ye me ?" 

And at that word, with shouting 

We'll close our broken line, 
And rally with our banners, 

Around our King Divine. 
Strong in Thy strength, we follow ; 

Oh, Leader ! onw r ard go ; 
And drive, as wind the stubble, 

The armies of Thy foe. 

E. Murray. 



CITIES OF THE BIBLE. Ill 

CITIES OF THE BIBLE. 

The children should be grouped at the right of the stage. "Time's 
glass'' may be a tube of black cardboard ornamemed with rings of gilt 
paper. At the end of the first two verses, which should be recited by all 
the children, one child should step forward and appear to be^ looking at 
the past, and the third verse should be addressed to her. 

She should take down the glass and turn to the children while reciting 
the fourth, fifth, and sixth verses. Seventh verse, look through glass 
again. The glass maybe handed to each child in turn. He (or she) 
should look through it, and then recite, moving to the left to give place 
to the next one. When the recitation is ended the children should be 
standing so as to form a semicircle. 

AIL — To-day with reverent hand we draw 
Life's curtain, and look back 
Down the dim path, where centuries 
Have left their dusty track. 

And as the slow mists backward roll 

The buried cities start to life ; 
And faintly, down the solemn years, 

Come mingled sounds of joy and strife. 

What see you, friend, as through Time's glass 
You look with eager, questioning gaze ? 

What cities with their stately walls, 
What people with their old-time ways? 

First Child (looking through glass). — 

I look on Chaldea's ancient plain. 

Where Babylon in beauty stands, 
And they who throng behind her gates 

Are countless as the desert sands. 

Their days go by in luxurious ease, 

How soft Time's footsteps fall, 
Till in the midst of feasts, behold 

The writing on the wall ! 



112 CITIES OF THE BIBLE. 

Weighed in the balance ! wanting found ! 

Aghast the monarch stands ; 
While home and kingdom, pow'r and life, 

Slip from his palsied hands. 

Ah, vainly now I strive to see 

That city of the plains, 
Gone are its temples, gardens, walls, 

A mound of earth remains. 

All recite Isaiah xiii, 19. 

First Child {giving glass to one on right). — • 

Here, take the glass, and down the years 

Your wandering glances cast. 
Tell us what city summons you 

From out the buried past. 

Second Child (looking through glass). — 
The city that old Asshur built, 

So famed in song and story ; 
One moment here, next like a dream, 

'Tis gone in all its glory. 

Its dreadful deeds of blood and crime 

Aroused God's awful ire; 
He spake, and ancient Nineveh 

Was swept away by fire. 

All recite Zephaniah ii, 13, 14. 

Third Child (takes glass^. — 

That city, famed for ages past 
For wealth and enterprise, 



CITIES OF THE BIBLE. 113 

Ancient Tyre, once so fair, 
Before me seems to rise. 

Yet while I gaze, with fire and sword 

Its massive walls come down ; 
Now but an humble village marks 

That city of renown. 

All recite Ezekial xxvi, 3, 4. 

Fourth Child (takes glass, looks through, then recites). — 
A city old in Abraham's day, 

Damascus, now I see ; 
And while I gaze its wondrous past 

Comes slowly back to me. 

Outside its walls a whitened waste, 

Within a freshening breeze ; 
While rivers sparkle, fountains gleam 

Among its waving trees. 

All recite II Kings v, 12. 

Fifth Child (looking through glass). — 

Far in the south, 'neath tropic skies, 

Looking toward Egypt's land, 
With proud, uplifted walls, I see 
An ancient city stand. 

I see a prison vast and high 

Where all the sunny morn 
A pris'ner stands, his daily work 

To grind the golden corn. 
8 



114 CITIES OF THE BIBLE. 

Naught recks he that the world is fair, 

And blue the summer skies ; 
No gleam of sunshine e'er shall pierce 

His darkened, sightless eyes. 

Dark-browed and stern, I see him stand 

Within their temple now ; 
Whilst all the lords throughout the land 

Before their idol bow. 

Grimly he hears their prayers, the while 

His lips curl in disdain ; 
Then bows his head, " Help, Lord," he cries, 

And Gaza's hosts are slain. 

All recite Judges xvi, 30. 

Sixth Child. — 

Lo ! stretching north and south I see 

The Jordan's waters flow ; 
And there, fair city of the plains, 

Stands ancient Jericho. 

Within its walls I seem to see 

A people wild with fear, 
And pale lips whisper, white with awe, 

The dreadful foe is here. 

Outside a column stern and dark, 
With armed men at its head ; 

Each day around its close-shut gates 
Marches with measured tread. 

Six times in silence, stern and grim, 
They compass it around, 



CITIES OF THE BIBLE. 115 

The seventh, with a fearful shout, 
Its walls fall to the ground. 

AIL— What see you now ? 

Sixth Child (passing glass to next one).— 
Nay, turn away 

From all these dreadful scenes ; 
We may not judge if right or wrong, 
God knoweth what it means. 

All recite Hebrew xi, 30. 

Seventh Child (looking through glass). — 
See other cities, line on line, 

Each with its wondrous story, 
Eager to tell to listening ears 

Its tale of vanished glory. 

Eighth Child (looking through glass). — 

Here's Rome, throned on her seven hills 
In all her might and power. 

Ninth Child (looking through glass). — 

And Athens, over wealth and art, 
Mistress for one brief hour. 

Tenth Child (looking through glass). — 
Now cultured Ephesus I see, 

Where Paul dwelt three long years. 

Eleventh Child (looking through glass). — 
See ! Smyrna in Ionia 
Before my sight appears. 



116 CITIES OF THE BIBLE. 

Twelfth Child, (looking through glass). — 
Cyrene of Libya comes to me 

In all its wealth and pride, 
The home of him who bore the cross 

On which the Saviour died. 

All recite Luke xxiii, 26. 

Thirteenth Child (looking through glass). — 

Close nestled 'mong the low, green hills, 

Fair Bethlehem appears, 
And o'er it still the Magian's star 
Shines down the long, dim years. 

Boys. — David and Boaz were born in Bethlehem. 
Girls. — Jesus was born in Bethlehem. 

All.— 

Each leaf and flower, each rock and tree, 

Echo the self-same story, 
That here, a child like you and me, 

He lived, the King of Glory. 

Fourteenth Child. — 

Here 'mong the hills of Lebanon, 

Lo ! Nazareth is seen, 
Where as a boy He played and worked, 

A lowly Nazarene. 

All recite Matt, ii, 23. 

Fifteenth Child.— 

Here's Cana, round its ancient name 
What memories entwine ! 



CITIES OF THE BIBLE. 117 

'Twas here that at the marriage feast 
Christ made the water wine. 

Sixteenth Child. — 

And now that city of the Jews, 

Jerusalem, I see, 
And as I gaze, what sights and scenes 

Come down the years to me ! \ 

All. — Jerusalem, in Palestine. 

Girls. — In the time of Abraham it was called Salem, 
" peace." 

Boys. — When Israel obtained possession of the Holy 
Land it w r as called Jebus. 

All. — It is called Ziou. 

Girls.— City of God. 

Boys.— The Holy City. 

All. — -The joy of the whole earth. 

Seventeenth Child. — 

City of David called of old, 

For here King David dwelt, 
Here stood that Temple fair and grand 

By wise old Solomon built. 

Eighteenth Child. — 

Here Christ His earthly work all done, 

Came to be crucified, 
Here, on the dreadful mount of Death, 

He bowed His head and died. 

Nineteenth Child. — 

Here, on the day of Pentecost, 
The Holy Ghost was given, 



118 A LITTLE CHILD SHALL LEAD THEM, 

A sound of rushing, mighty winds, 
The tongues of fire from Heaven. 

All— 

Ah ! turn away, no more w T e gaze 
Adown the dead and vanished years, 

Too dark the pictures there we find 
Blotted with many tears. 

O, cities, springing from the past, 
Your golden time of life is o'er, 

You had your little day of power, 
Now back to earth once more. 

All sing [Tune, " Softly now the light of day"). — 
Vanish, vanish, while ye may, 

Spectral cities, fade from sight ; 
Now, with all your shad'wy train, 
Back to endless realms of night. 

Lizzie M. Hadley. 



A LITTLE CHILD SHALL LEAD THEM. 

This exercise is designed for small children from four to eight years old 
—two girls and two boys take part. 

A tablet should be prepared on which are to be hung by superinten- 
dent or teacher the words, after the children have recited the verse, thus 
forming the sentence, 4< A little child shall lead them." The tablet may 
be a simple board covered with white cloth, and the words be formed of 
gilt on dark ground. 

[First, little girl bringing in the words " A little"'} 
Girl — A little girl am I, 

But yet Fm not too small. 



A LITTLE CHILD SHALL LEAD THEM. 119 

To look from earth to sky 
And praise the Lord of all. 

[Second, boy brings the word " child"] 
Boy. — Child or man, if I do what I can 

To serve God in my narrow sphere, 
I'll win in the race and find a safe place 

In Heaven or even here. 

[Third, little girl brings the word " shall"'] 
Girl. — Shall I ask what gift to bring 
To please the Lord above ? 
A willing mind, a gentle mien, 
A heart of tender love. 

[ Third, boy brings the ivords " lead them."] 
Boy. — Lead them, all the little ones, 
Oh, Jesus, in Thy care ; 
Lead them with tenderness and strength 
From every wrong and snare. 

After the words are placed, the following verses are to be 
sung. If the little children cannot sing them, your 
older children may enter, and sing to the tune " The 
Watcher," " The Night was Dark and Fearful" or any 
tune having metre 7 and 6. 

A little child shall lead them 

By gentleness and love ; 
For strength and power and sweetness 

Come from the heaven above. 
And dearer than the sparrow, 

Or than the lily fair, 
Are the souls of little children 

In the Heavenly Father's care. 



120 IIELP FOR MY SISTERS. 

Then work and never weary, 

Oh, children, weak an (J small, 
And listen for the voices 

That for your aid may call. 
A thousand little wanderers 

Are ever near your side, 
Who wait the gentle helper 

The tender heart to guide. 



HELP FOR MY SISTERS. 

A tableau for ten characters. 
CHARACTERS REPRESENTED. 



America. 


Chinese Woman. 


Messenger. 


Moorish " 


Turkish Woman. 


Persian " 


Siamese " 


Negro " 


Indian " 


Siamese Flower Girl. 



COSTUMES AND ACCESSORIES. 

America should be represented by a woman dressed 
in any simple fashion. The form must be wrapped by 
an American flag disposed gracefully, and reaching to 
the feet. On her head must be a liberty cap dotted 
with small stars. In her right hand must be held a 
large open Bible. 

Messenger. — A woman dressed very simply in white. 
The hair either flowing or plainly dressed. 

Turkish Woman. — Loose, wide-sleeved overdress of 
red, trimmed with gilt braid, or something simulating 
it. It must be confined at the waist by a girdle, sash, 
or belt, of any convenient material or style. This gar- 



HELP FOR MY SISTERS. 121 

ment must reach below the knee. Very baggy white 
trousers clothe the lower limbs ; gay slippers on the feet ; 
on the head a bonnet shaped like an inverted peach- 
basket. It may be fashioned of pasteboard, and covered 
with gilt paper to simulate cloth of gold. A short gauzy 
veil reaches to the eyebrows ; a white handkerchief in 
many folds is bound around the face below the mouth. 

Persian Woman — A close-fitting robe of red, with 
the front of the skirt of some contrasting color and ma- 
terial. If possible, let the front either be embroidered 
or simulate embroidery. Several inches of white petti- 
coat should show beneath this skirt, the latter reaching 
to the ankles. Loose white trousers and gay slippers 
complete this part of the costume. A loosely folded 
black turban is worn on the head, and over this, if de- 
sired, is thrown a long veil of any light, gauzy material. 
The features may be exposed or not, as preferred. 

Chinese Woman. — A short, full skirt of gay flowered 
material. Over this a loose robe with wide sleeves, gay 
in color. Hair combed straight back, dressed high, and 
adorned with numbers of large and gay pins. Features 
exposed. 

Siamese Woman. — Scarlet skirt reaching to the feet ; 
black, tight-fitting bodice, short sleeves. A long scarf 
of some thin material should be w T ound about the shoul- 
ders. There should be a profusion of jewelry, a heavy 
chain wound many times about the neck, several brace- 
lets on each arm, long, gaudy ear-rings. The hair 
should be combed straight back, knotted, and stuck full 
of gay pins. 

Moorish Woman. — Wrapped from head to foot in a 
snowy haik, which may be simply a sheet. It must 
come down over the forehead, and be held in its place 



122 HELP FOR MY SISTERS. 

across the face by the hands, so that only the eyes are 
visible. A little practice will enable the performer to 
wear this covering gracefully. 

Negro Woman. — Short, red skirt, reaching just be- 
low the knees, the bottom trimmed with fringe ; half-fit- 
ting sack of yellow cloth reaching to the hips ; the 
sleeves should be short, the neck half-low ; several brace- 
lets of gaudy beads must be worn on the arms ; many 
strings of the same should be wound about the neck and 
hang in long festoons across the breast ; a wig of negro's 
wool should be worn, the wool braided, if possible, in 
numerous tight braids ; immense circular ear-rings may 
be made of pasteboard, covered with gilding paint, and 
worn by being suspended on the small tops of ordinary 
ear-rings. By the skillful use of a little invisible court- 
plaster or other adhesive material a similar ring may be 
suspended from the nose. Black stockings must be 
worn, and around the ankles must be wound strings of 
beads; yellow slippers on the feet. The arms, face, and 
neck of this character, of course, must be blacked. 

Indian Woman. — A bright-colored blanket or shawl 
wrapping the form from the neck down ; hair hanging 
straight ; head bare. 

Siamese Flower Girl. — A short, loose, long-sleeved 
jacket, open at the throat ; short, plaid skirt ; bare feet ; 
head bare, and hair hanging straight ; a flower in the 
hair. This character should be assumed by a half-grown 
girl, 

Hints. — These costumes may all be cheaply, yet 
effectively, brought out either in paper cambric or 
flowered calico, as the case may require. 

Painting the face, blacking the eyebrows, etc., of the 
characters may be resorted to or not as preferred. Yet, 



HELP FOR MY SISTERS. 123 

of course, any artificial aid that darkens the complexion 
will add to the realistic effect. 



Diagrams of Positions. 


II 


I 


F 
) 


G 
J 


E 

C 


B 
A 


[Front 


of stage.] 



Explanation of Diagram. 

A. America. — She must stand on a small dais, which 
may be simply a box covered with brown cambric; the 
right hand, holding the Bible, must be extended toward 
the Messenger, the body bent slightly forward, the face 
earnest, eyes fixed upon the Messenger's face. 

B. The Messenger. — She must stand with one foot 
on the dais, the other on the stage floor. The right 
hand must be extended and touching the Bible, the left, 
with the index-finger extended, points to the women 
grouped behind her. The eyes must be fixed on the 
face of America, the expression on the face one of en- 
treaty. 

C. Siamese Flower Girl. — This character must 
sit flat on the stage, surrounded by flowers neatly ar- 
ranged ; let the bare feet show plainly ; face expressive 
of listless dreaming. 

D. Moorish Woman. — This and all other charac- 
ters not having the letter underscored are standing. 



124 SUNDAY-SCHOOL ACROSTIC. 

E. Indian Woman. — Sitting flat on the stage, some 
Indian baskets about her, if obtainable ; feet concealed. 

F. Chinese Woman. — Sitting on a rug or cushion ; 
feet concealed. 

G. Negro Woman. — Let the face assume, if possible, 
an expression of stupidity. 

H. Siamese Woman. 
L Persian " 
J. Turkish " 

Clara J. Denton. 



SUNDAY-SCHOOL ACROSTIC. 

For twelve children. 

s. 

S stands for Sabbath-day of rest, 
Most precious day of all the seven ; 

To those who love the Lord it gives 
A foretaste of the peace of Heaven. 



U. 

U is the Unity in which 

As Christian brethren we should dwell ; 
For God says in His sacred book, 

So it is pleasant, and is well. 

N. 

N is the New Name which is hid 

From mortal ken in pure white stone ; 

To him 'tis given who overcomes 
And stops not till his work is done. 



SUNDAY-SCHOOL ACROSTIC. 125 

D. 
D stands for Duty, which we owe 

To God, and to our fellows here ; 
May each receive the words, " Well done," 

When we before God's throne appear. 

A. 

A stands for Actions good, which spring 
From fruitful seeds of good thoughts sow r n 

Within the garden of good hearts 
When to perfection they have grown. 

Y. 

Y stands for Young folks, who each week 

At Sabbath-school together come, 
To walk in Wisdom's pleasant ways 

And in her paths of peace to roam. 

S. 
S stands for Songs — the Sacred Song3 

In which our youthful voices blend. 
Sweet Song ! No pleasure purer is 

Than that you have the power to lend. 

C. 

C is the Church — the mother Church- 
To which this Sunday-school belongs ; 

May we, her children, honor her 
To-night, in speeches and in songs. 

H. 

H is for Honor. Who would not 
Take Honor for a bosom friend ? 



126 SUNDAY-SCHOOL ACROSTIC. 

O, scorn to do a mean, base act — 
Let Honor all your steps attend 

O. 

O stands for prompt Obedience, 
And children surely should submit 

To parents, teachers, those in power, 
With cheerful promptness that is fit. 

O. 

A second O's our Offerings, 

The pennies we are pleased to give 

To clothe the naked, feed the poor, 
And teach the heathen how to live. 

L. 

L is for Love — the last and best — 
The love of parents, friendly love ; 

The Love of God — Ah ! all is said, 
For in His essence God is Love ! 

All. 
Combine our letters as we stand, 

And to your view there will appear, 
A name beloved by each of us — 

The name of " Sunday-school " so dear. 

E. C. & L. J. Eook. 



WHILE SHEPHERDS WATCHED. 127 

WHILE SHEPHERDS WATCHED. 

A Christmas drama in one scene. 

CHARACTERS REPRESENTED. 

Hiram, ] 

Simon, | ( 

Jesse, \ Shepherds of Eethlehem. 
Joseph, j 
Amr ah, J 

Maurus, a Roman soldier. 
Arimelech, a Jew. 
i S 

COSTUMES. 

The Shepherds should wear wigs of long, coarse, disheveled hair ; 
heavy beards should cover the entire face, reaching as far down me 
breast as possible ; loose capes or mantles of sheepskin, with the iieece 
turned outward, must be thrown over the shoulders and reach below the 
knee ; these mantles must be confined at the waist by wide leather belts 
of the rudest style; the arms may be bare ; rude leggings, made either of 
leather or sheepskin, like the mantles, reach to the knee ; coarse leather 
sandals cover the feet ; thrown over the right shoulder, so that it lies 
conspicuously on the right side, must be a leather bag for h- tiding food, 
etc.; it must appear full; each Shepherd must carry a large crook. 

Maurus, a Roman soldier. — A complete suit of armor, including, if 
possible, a helmet. 

Arimelech, a Jew. — A white, flowing mantle, dropping from the head 
and held in place by a band of silk, velvet, or other convenient materia 1 ; 
beneath this must be worn a loose robe of any dark stuff, which reaches 
to the feet ; a wide sash must confine this robe at the waist ; sandals on 
the feet. 

Scene. 

[This is supposed to be in the central part of the walled 
sheep pasture where the shepherds, with their charges, 
are passing the night The stage must be dark. In the 
centre thereof some charred sticks must be piled up to 
represent a fire lately gone out Curtain rising, dis- 
closes four of the shepherds lying about this fire asleep; 
their crooks must be close beside them. Tableau^ lasting 
one minute.'] 



128 WHILE SHEPHERDS WATCHED. 

Enter Hiram (shivering and drawing his belt more 
tightly about him). — Ugh, how cold the night grows ! 
Glad am I that my watch is over and that another must 
watch while I also rest. But the fire is out. [Kicking 
the sticks.'] Yes, as I am a son of Abraham, not a spark 
there. [ Walks away.] Verily, Hiram the shepherd, 
son of Ahi, will freeze if he falls asleep here. But I 
must awake Simon, this is his watch, and we will together 
kindle the fire. [He walks toward the sleepers again. A 
blue light is now thrown upon the stage. Its introduction 
must be as gradual as possible, and it must continue to 
burn until the end of the chorus, il Glory to God in the 
highest."] But what means yonder light. Surely, the 
heavens are not on fire ? Lo ! it grows, it widens, it 
climbs, higher, higher, higher. Ho ! there, my brethren, 
awake ! awake ! awake ! 

[The sleepers start suddenly to their feet, grasp their 
crooks, and look wildly about] 

Simon, Jesse, Joseph, Amrah {together).— What— what 
is it? 

Voice behind the scenes (at its first sound the shepherds 
stand transfixed). — Fear not : for, behold, I bring you 
good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. 
For unto you is born this day in the city of David, a 
Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a 
sign unto you : Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swad- 
dling clothes, lying in a manger. 

Shepherds (together). — Wonderful are the ways of God. 

Hiram. — The God of our fathers remembereth us. 

Simon. — Lo ! He hath heard our cries. 

Jesse. — And a Deliverer now is come unto us. 



WHILE SHEPHERDS WATCHED. 129 

Joseph. — Therefore, let us give Him praise. 
Amrah. — And serve Him evermore. 

[Behind the scenes is now sung loudly and with spirit to 
any simple chant tune, such as may be found in all sing- 
ing books, these words: " Glory to God in the highest, 
and on earth peace, good will toward men." At the first 
notes the Shepherds must fall on their knees, drop their 
crooks at their sides, and, ivith their eyes uplifted and 
their hands crossed on their breasts, remain in tableau 
until the singing ceases. Let the chant be sung three 
times, the last time softly. As it ceases, enter, on the right, 
Maurus, the Roman soldier ; on the left, Abimelech, the 
Jew. At sight of them the Shepherds grasp their crooks, 
rise, and stare wildly about] 

Abimelech. — Ho ! good shepherds, what meaneth all 
this ? Did I not but now hear the sound of sweet voices, 
and whither has fled the light which shone upon us from 
afar? As my soulliveth, it hath passed quickly. 

Maurus (striding about angrily). — By the gods, dearly 
shall some one pay for the sweat beneath my helmet. 
Was it not said that these louts of shepherds had set 
the sheep-sheds on fire ? And as a swift messenger am 
I come, when, lo ! there is nothing but some sticks as 
black as the mother of Erebus. [Kicks angrily at the 
extinguished fire.] By the sword of Mars, not a spark 
there. 

Hiram (to Abimelech). — Verily, thou didst see a light, 
and a loud voice also spoke to us from the heavens. 

Abimelech (eagerly). — Are the old days returning ? 
What said the voice ? Canst tell ? 

Simon. — It said : " Unto you is born this day a Sav- 
iour, which is Christ the Lord." 
9 



130 WHILE SHEPHERDS WATCHED. 

Abimelech. — A Saviour ? Then, if a Saviour, a King 
also, for so readeth the prophets. 

Maurus (sternly). — There is no King but Caesar. 

Abimelech. — What more said they ? 

Jesse. — Thou shalt find Him a babe in a manger. 

Abimelech. — In a manger ! A King in a manger ! 

Maurus [more sternly). — There is no King but Caesar. 

Abimelech. — Art sure of that, proud Roman ? Know 
thou this, thus saith the prophet : " I will establish the 
throne of His kingdom forever/'* and " the adversaries 
of the Lord shall be broken to pieces; and He shall give 
strength unto His King and exalt the horn of His 
anointed.f In that day, O Roman, shall thy strength 
fail thee, and thy proud heart shall not sustain thee. 

Jesse. — But come, let us seek Him who is born a King 
this day. Short is the journey to Bethlehem. 

Abimelech. — Bethlehem ! Is it there we are to find 
Him? 

Jesse. — " In the city of David/' said the voice. Is it 
not, therefore, in Bethlehem ? 

Abimelech. — So ran the words of the prophet, " out of 
Bethlehem shall He come forth that is to be ruler in 
Israel/' % O, Thou God of my fathers, hast Thou at 
last heard the cry of Thy people, and shall the heel of 
the oppressor be lifted, and that right speedily. But — 
in a manger — ah ! I must go and see. Verily 'tis a great 
mystery. [Exit hastily.] 

Maurus. — He is old and bereft of his senses. There 
is no King but Caesar. Nevertheless, I must report this 
matter. [Exit in hasted] 

Hiram. — Come, my brethren, let us go seek the King 
in His manger, and tell the wonderful story abroad. 

* II Sam. vii, 13. f I Sam. ii , 10. t Micah \, % 



WHILU SHEPHERDS WATCHED. 131 

Amrah. — So we will. \lle sings, the others join their 
voices, and all march out slowly, Hiram leading. The 
singing is continued behind the scenes. This psalm may 
be found set to music among the chants of the Episcopal 
serviced] 

O, sing unto the Lord a new song ; for He hath 
done marvelous things. 

With His own right hand, and with His holy arm, 
hath He gotten Himself the victory. 

The Lord declared His salvation ; His righteousness 
hath He openly showed in the sight of the heathen. 

He hath remembered His mercy and truth toward 
the house of Israel ; and all the ends of the world have 
seen the salvation of our God. 

Show yourselves joyful before the Lord, all ye lands ; 
sing, rejoice, and give thanks. 

Praise the Lord upon the harp ; sing to the harp with 
a psalm of thanksgiving. 

With trumpets also and shawms. O show yourselves 
joyful before the Lord, the King. 

Let the sea make a noise, and all that therein is ; 
the round world, and they that dwell therein. 

Let the floods clap their hands, and let the hills be 
joyful together before the Lord ; for He cometh to judge 
the earth. 

With righteousness shall He judge the world, and the 
people with equity. 

[Psalm xcviii. The "Prayer Book " version is the one here 

given.~\ 
[Curtain.] 

Would suggest a tableau at the close— stable, manger, Joseph, Infant 
Saviour (halo around head;, and adoring multitude. 

Claka J. Denton. 



132 THE TEN COMMANDMENTS. 



THE TEN COMMANDMENTS. 

A group of children may stand on the right of the stage and several 
others at the left. 

1. Child steps out from group on the right and speaks to those on the 
left. 

2. Children on the left. 

3. All on the right. 

4. Second child steps from group on the right and recites. 

5. Here eleven children should enter and stand in the centre near the 
back of the stage. 

6. The children who have just entered recite together. 

7. A small child steps forward and holds up card as she recites. 

8. Child a little taller steps forward. 

9. Holds card beside the first one. 

10. Taller child recites and holds card in place. 

11. Child a little taller recites. 

12. " 

13. Child, same height as last one ; stands a little apart from her to 
give a place for the eleventh one. 

14. Child same height as fourth one. 

15. " " third one. 

16. " " second one. 

17. f* " first one. 

18. All the ten children. 

19. Eleventh child steps forward and speaks. 

20. Puts card in place. 

21. All the eleven children. 

These cards should be quite large. The numerals may be cut from 
gilt paper and pasted on them. 

i; First Child.— 

Who is this coming with sober pace, 
Tear-wet eyes and a sorrowful face ; 
Are you trying to find where the lily or rose, 
The golden-rod or the aster grows ? 
Do you see the ripened grain in shocks ; 
The little birds flitting away in. flocks ? 
Do you sorrow because the summer's over ; 
Are you searching for grass and dewy clover ? 
Then sigh no more, for with soft spring rain 
Birds and flowers will come again. 



THE TEN COMMANDMENTS. 133 

2 - Several Children. — 

Nay, not for the flowers that hide away, 
Not for the birds are we sad to-day. 
But we've read in a marvelous book of One, 
Who was called by the father, " Beloved Son," 
He wanted the children to come unto Him, 
But the road is narrow and dark and dim, 
And we grope in the darkness and vainly try 
To hear His feet as He passes by. 

3 - All. — Thou art my lamp, O Lord : and the Lord 
will lighten my darkness. — II Samuel xxii, 29. 

2 - Several Children. — 

We have read in that same old wonderful Book 
Of a city on which mortal may never look. 
Its walls are jasper, of pearl its gates, 
And he who stands outside and waits 
Shall hear from within the welcome cry : 
" Come, enter ye here, and never die." 
And every street through which you pass 
Shall be " pure gold, transparent as glass." 
No pale stars gleam and no moonbeams play, 
For here is the realm of eudless day. 

8 - AIL — "And the nations of them which are saved 
shall walk in the light of it ; and the kings of the earth 
do bring their glory and honor into it." — Revelations 
xxi, 13. 

*■ First Child. — How will you reach it? 

2 - Several Children. — 

Alas! who knows? 
For between that city and us there flows, 



134 THE TEN COMMANDMENTS. 

A river turbid and dark and wide, 
None can tell how we gain the other side. 
No ferryman here to take us o'er, 
Naught but the water's sullen roar ; 
And beyond it all, how T the gray mists rise, 
Hiding that shore from our longing eyes. 

3 - All. — "As the cloud is consumed and vanisheth 
away, so he that goeth dow T n to the grave shall come 
up no more." — Job vii, 9. 

4 * Second Child. — 
Ah, sad ones, sorrow no more, I pray ; 
Hear the Master say to you : " I am the way, 
Only believe that I bid you come, 
And I'll show you the way to this heavenly home." 

8 - All. — " I am come a light into the w r orld, that 
whosoever believeth in me should not abide in dark- 
ness." — John xii, 46. 

4 - Second Child. — 

But while for a time you watch below, 
And list for the summons that bids you go, 
While your weary feet press the earthly shore, 
Be building a bridge to help you o'er. 

2 - Several Children. — How shall we build it ? 

4 - Second Child. — 

One by one 
Each stone you must place ; and when it is done, 
No fear of the waters that darkly flow, 
But safe to the unknown shore you may go. 
More would you know ? — then watch with me. 



THE TEN COMMANDMENTS. 135 

5 - {Enter eleven children.] 
What shadowy forms are these I see ? 
Whence come ye now ? Why are ye here ? 

6 * Children. — 
To all earth's children we are near, 
And when they call us, lo ! we come, 
To help them reach their heavenly home. 
From off that Awful Mount — God's own, 
Where one received us — carved from stone 
From Sinai's mount mid cloud and flame 
God spake, and lo ! to earth we came. 

7 - First Child.— 

Behold — he said — from Egypt's land 
I've brought ye forth, a mighty band ; 
Hear now the words I speak to thee, 
Thou shalt have no other Gods than me. 

{Holding up card.] 
God's first commandment, the first stone 
Take it, and keep it for thine own ; 
Cement it deep in faith, be sure 
The bridge you build must e'er endure. 

8 - Second Child. — 

The second stone is mine, and see ! 
9 - 1 place it for eternity. 
These are its words : " No image fair, 
Likeness in earth or sea or air, 
Shall take my place. I am alone, 
The great unsearchable, unknown. 
Bow not before another God, 
Unless ye'd feel my chastening rod." 



136 THE TEN COMMANDMENTS. 

w. Third Child.— 
God's words are few, but O, how plain — 

" Ye shall not take my name in vain." 
Next in the arch ye build, place this, 
If ye would gain eternal bliss. 

n \ Fourth Child — 
I gave you darkness, gave you light, 
The sun by day, the moon by night, 
God says : Six days for thee and thine, 
The seventh holy one is mine. 

12 - Fifth Child.— 
Thy father and thy mother — see, 
God plainly says to you and me, 
Honor and reverence in all ways, 
And I will give you length of days. 

13 ' Sixth Child.— 

I hold the keys of life and death, 
" Thou shalt not kill," God sternly saith ; 

These words to all below He's given, 
" No murderer shall enter Heaven." 

14 - Seventh Child. — 

Of evil thoughts and deeds, beware ! 
If tempted look to God in prayer, 
Put this commandment in its place 
And keep it — God will give thee grace. 

15 - Eighth Child.— 

The one I bring is food for thought, 
Its message full of meaning fraught, 
To all who hear and think and feel, 
God plainly says : " Thou shalt not steal." 



THE TEN COMMANDMENTS. 137 

16- Ninth Child.— 

The ninth commandment, see, I bring, 
The Holy Spirit's offering, 
Upon the arch it takes its place, 
And, graven on its stony face, 
It bears this legend, now beware ! 
" False witness thou shalt never bear." 

17 - Tenth Child.— 

This tenth commandment now is mine, 
And see upon it, line on line, 
Written by God's own hand in stone, 
" Covet no more things not thy own." 

18 - AIL— 

With these commandments, for thy feet 
A bridge we build — 

19 - Eleventh Child.— 
But not complete, 

Till welded in its proper place 

20 - This keystone stands, and on its face, 
Graven in lines that all may see, 

We find the Christ of Calvary. 

21. All— 
Our bridge is done the waters o'er, 
'Twill take thee to the other shore ; 
If in its place is every stone, 
Yet in the structure break but one, 
Ye ne'er may reach the heavenly goal ; 
If one stone falls, then falls the whole. 



138 THE DOOM OF KING ALCOHOL. 

\The children may hold cards bearing the numerals to ten; 
the eleventh card should have the word Christ, The 
cards should be held so as to form an arch.'] 

Lizzie M. Hadley. 



THE DOOM OF KING ALCOHOL. 

A temperance tableau for eight characters. 

CHARACTERS REPRESENTED. 

The Ballot. The Destitute Wife. 

King Alcohol. Boy. 

The Dead Drunkard Girl. 

The Murderous Youth. Grave-digger. 

COSTUMES AND ACCESSORIES. 

The Ballot. — A woman dressed in white, the dress 
thickly dotted with slips of paper containing the word 
" ballot " plainly printed upon them. Upon her head 
must be a paper liberty cap on which is printed in large 
capital letters the words, " Vox populi, vox Dei." In 
her upraised hands a heavy club. 

King Alcohol. — A long, loosely fitting black cloak ; 
on his head a large crown of black ; chains of various 
lengths and thicknesses grasped in both hands. 

Dead Drunkard. — Kagged clothes ; battered hat on 
the ground beside him. 

Murderous Youth. — Ordinary business suit ; a pis- 
tol in his right hand. 

Destitute Wife. — Ragged calico dress ; head un- 
covered ; disheveled or flowing hair. 

Boy. — Ragged clothes ; bare head and feet. 

Girl. — The same. 

Grave-digger. — Working clothes. 



THE 


DOOM OF KING 

Diagram. 


ALCOHOL. 13S 


Boy. 




Youth. 


Wife. 




Girl. 

Dead Drunkard, 

A 



Ballot. Alcohol. 

Grave-digger. 

[Front of stage.] 

Description of Diagram. 

King Alcohol in centre of the stage, his side face 
turned to the audience. 

Ballot very near him, facing the audience. The 
club which she holds is upraised as if about to fall 
square on Alcohol's brow. There must be a look of 
stern determination on her face. 

King Alcohol's hands must be outstretched as if in 
pleading, but he must continue to grasp the chains with 
which he hopes to bind his future victims. His face 
must express passionate entreaty. 

The lines A — A represent a thin curtain of gauze 
drawn between King Alcohol and his victims. 

The Girl is gnawing a crust. 

The Wife stands motionless, her face buried in her 
hands. 

The Youth stands as if about to start off hastily ; the 
pistol is held across his breast ; his head must be bare ; 
his hair ruffled ; on his face a look of hatred and watch- 
fulness ; his face should be flushed ; he is about to pur- 
sue the object of his anger. 



140 THE OCEAN OF LIFE. 

Boy, extends his hands as if begging. 

Grave-digger, with one foot resting upon his shovel, 
stands with his back to the audience. His attitude is 
one of indifferent waiting to bury his subject, King 
Alcohol. The effect will be heightened by having an 
opening in the stage floor near him and a pile of dirt 
beside it. 

Let all the time possible be given to the exhibition of 
this tableau in order that its meaning may be fully 
grasped. Clara J. Denton. 



THE OCEAN OF LIFE. 

Various are the appellations given to life, it having 
even been called a bubble, but what can be more ap- 
propriate than that of ocean ? 

It is an ocean, it has its overwhelming waves, its calm, 
sweet waters, and it has its counter currents. 

The ocean of life ! Oh ! it is a vast one, bounded 
only by the shores of Eternity. For ages it has flowed, 
bearing its countless legions, and for ages more it will 
roll on. 

To some this great sea is Pacific water, its calmness 
being disturbed only by an occasional storm, dimming 
for awhile the sun's bright smiles ; to others it is contin- 
ually tempest-tossed, and be what it may, the powerful 
counter current, sin, flows under it all. There are many 
islands scattered o'er the vast waters, islands of pleasure 
and folly — islands that look enchanting to the weary 
mariner — so enchanting that many fasten their boats on 
those shores, and abandon themselves to idleness. 

Poor, deluded mariners ! " Like the current of the 



STAR EXERCISE. 141 

ocean, man is moved by unseen powers "—there is some- 
thing within him always whispering u Onward !" How 
then can any one carelessly moor his bark on the decep- 
tive shore when he might be moving on — on — in the 
grand progress of life ! O, this ocean is a wonderful 
one ! and it is a strange, though beautiful fact — that all 
its vast waves flow to one goal — that all its vessels, 
barges, and fairy skiffs tend to but one port — Eternity ! 

Laura Kose. 



STAR EXERCISE. 

1. Children grouped on stage recite together. 

2. Each child holds up a small Bible. 

3. Point and look upward. 

4. Point upward. 

5. A pasteboard or wooden star-form may be fastened against the wall, 
and on pins or hooks on this the children may fasten their forms, after 
reciting their part. 

6. All the children recite. 

7. Children who held the star-rays recite together. 

8. All the school recite. 

l - "lis said that old philosopher, 
To death by Romans hurled, 
Cried, " give a fulcrum for my powe 
And I can move the world." 

We come from north, east, south, and west 

To-day with flags unfurled, 
We've found the fulcrum for our power, 

And now we'll move the world. 

From Afric's plains, from Arctic snows, 
From mountain, tarn, and ford, 

To break the bonds of sin we come, 
No weapon but God's word. 



142 STAR EXERCISE. 

2 - High o'er our heads His Book we hold, 

While down the long dim ages 
The star that shone o'er Bethlehem 
Illumines all its pages. 

3 - That wondrous star is shining still, 

To you as well as me, 
It shows the thorny path He trod, 
Who died on Calvary. 

If they who sit in utter night 
But touch His garment's hem, 

A living fire to them appears, 
This star of Bethlehem. 

4 - No better guide for erring man, 

By One above 'twas given, 
He whispers, walk ye in the light, 
'Twill surely lead to heaven. 

5. First Child.— 

I bring for you its first bright ray, 

And while you look at me, 
I hold it so that all may know 

It bears a golden C. 

e- AIL— 

C is for Christ, our living head, 

Who whispers, Come to me, 
Come, all who bend beneath the yoke, 

And I will set you free. 

Girls. — Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy 
laden, and I will give you rest. — Matt, xi, 28. 



STAR EXERCISE. 143 

Boys. — Take my yoke upon you and learn of roe, for 
I am meek and lowly in heart : and ye shall find rest 
for your souls. 

All. — For my yoke is easy and my burden is light. 
—Matt, xi, 30. 

5 - Second Child. — 

I bring the second ; without me 

Our tale could not be told. 
This ray bears on its shining face 

An H in lines of gold. 

6- All— 

H is the Holy one of all, 

The heaven the saints have won. 

'Tis home and happiness that's found 
In every work well done. 

Girls. — The foxes have holes and the birds of the air 
have nests ; but the Son of man hath not where to lay 
His head.— Matt, viii, 20. 

5. Third Child.— 

A third I bring to help you make 

Your wondrous, shining star. 
See as I turn it, all can see, 
It bears the letter R. 

6- All— 

R stands for righteousness and right, 

When earthly doubts assail. 
God has promised to the righteous 

A heaven that cannot fail. 

Girk. — There is a reward for the righteous. — Psalm 
lviii, 11. 



144 STAR EXERCISE. 

Boys.— I have been young and now am old ; yet have 
I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging 
bread, — Psalm xxxvii, 25. 

AIL — Let me die the death of the righteous. — Num. 
xxiii, 10. 

5 - Fourth Child. — 

I come the fourth to do my part ; 

My best I always try. 
Behold, upon the ray I bear 

The shining letter I. 

6. All.— 

I is the great I am, 

The One who from His throne above 
Looked down on earth's poor suff'ring ones, 

And sent His Son in love. 

All recite. — And God said unto Moses, I Am That I 
Am. — Ex. iii, 14. 

5 - Fifth Child.— 

I am the fifth, and see, I hold 

Before your watching eyes 
The glitt'ring S that this bright ray 

Brings down the centuries. 

6 - AIL— 

S is that Son, our Saviour, too, 

We bow before His glory, 
And long for us as time shall last 

We'll tell His " wondrous story." 

Boys. — They shall cry unto the Lord and He shall 
send them a Saviour. — Is. xix, 20. 



STAR EXEKCLSE. 115 

Girls. — This is indeed the Christ, the Saviour of the 
world. — John iv, 42. 

5 - Sixth Child.— 

The sixth and last I come, 

To bring the letter T. 
. With my ray in its place, behold, 
A shining star you see. 

6 - All.— 

T is for troubla all must know, 

For truth, which, like a river, 
Goes flowing onward to life's sea, 

Blessing each cheerful giver. 

He shall deliver thee in six troubles ; yea, in seven 
there shall no evil touch thee. — Job v, 19. 

Man is born unto trouble as the sparks fly upward. — 
Job v, 7. 

The Lord also will be a refuge for the oppressed, a 
refuge in time of trouble. — Psalm ix, 9; 

7- AIL— 

And so we come, and ray by ray 

We make that blessed word, 
That, marching downward through the year, 
Brings peace where'er 'tis heard. 

8 - All the School. — 

The star that shone o'er Bethlehem-town 

And heralded Christ's birth, 
Still shines for all who wait and toil, 

Upon this green old earth. 
10 



146 THANKSGIVING. 

[Each child should hold a piece of card-board in this 



form 



$ 



Hie letters may be cut from gilt paper and pasted on 
them. Placed together, these forms will make a star 
with six points, the extra point being necessary in order 
to form the word Christ] 

Lizzie M. Hadley. 



THANKSGIVING. 

For a teacher and class of three scholars. The scholars stand in centra 
of stage or platform. The teacher stands at side of stage and intro- 
duces the exercises by quoting from Psalm cxxxvi, 1. 

O give thanks unto the Lord ; for He is good : for His 
mercy endureth forever. 

[Class respond, quoting Ps. xcv, 2.] 

Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving, 
and make a joyful noise unto Him with psalms. 

[Class then sing, to the tune, America:] 

We sing a grateful lay 
On this Thanksgiving Day, 

To God above. 
To Him our thanks we bring, 
Who giveth each good thing. 
Our gratitude we sing 

With hearts of love. 



THANKSGIVING. 147 

First Scholar speaks. — 

For the blessings of the year, 

For life and strength and health, 
For home and loving friends, 

And a modest share of wealth ; 
For these my thanks are due 

On this Thanksgiving Day, 
To Him, who in His love, 

Has thus illumed my way. 

Second Speaker. — 

For this free land of ours, 

Kuled by no tyrant's hailds, 
This refuge far the weak 

And wronged of other lands, 
For our free church and schools, 

Our free speech and free press — 
For these I give to-day 

My words of thankfulness. 

Third Speaker. — 

For our loved Sunday-school, 

For those who've faithful been, 
Teachers and officers, 

Our hearts, for good, to win ; 
For all the aid they've given 

To show us Wisdom's way, 
That we may walk therein, 

I offer thanks to-day. 

Class sing : — 

Accept, O Lord, we pray, 
The gratitude, to-day, 



148 THE EASTER WREATH. 

Which here we bring. 
Not words alone, we know, 
But deeds, good deeds, also, 
Our thankfulness should show, 

To God, our King. 



THE EASTER WREATH. 





A service in verse for nine 


i girls. 






CHARACTERS. 






Faith. 


Hope. 




Love. 


Lily. 


White Carnation. 




Eupatorium, 


Narcissus. 


Snowdrop. 

COSTUMES. 




Crocus. 



Simple white dresses for all the characters. Those personating the dif- 
ferent flowers should be decorated with the blossoms they represent ; they 
must also carry wreaths of the same. 

Faith, Hope, and Love may carry in the hand or wear across the 
bosom emblems appropriate to their several characters. Thus, Faith, a 
cross ; Hope, an anchor ; Love, three rings intertwined. These emblems 
may be made of pasteboard and covered with evergreens or gilt paper, 
as most convenient ; or, if preferred, they may be omitted altogether. 

[Faith, Hope, and Love advance while slow, soft music is 
playing and take their places in the centre with their 
arms about each other. When the music ceases they re- 
cite tog ether the following lines ;] 

Now, Faith, Hope, and Love, 

Should to-day abound, 
In each Christian's heart 

May w r e all be found. 
This the Christian's feast, 

Only He can know 



THE EASTER WREATH. 149 

Why the Easter Day 

Does our reign foreshow. 
O, most happy day, 

Crown of all the year, 
How shall thought and deed, 

Make our joy appear ? 

\They step apart, Faith and Hope branching out to right of 
centre. Somewhat back of centre a table or reading- 
desk is placed. It should be draped with white and 
trimmed with evergreens^] 



Faith- 



Hope. — 



Love. — 



All- 



Faith would point the heart 
To the Lord of all, 

Who has set us free 

From death's cruel thrall. 



All the hope fulfilled, 
That this day doth hold, 

This poor speech of mine 
Never can unfold. 



O'er the wide earth Love 

Sends a benison 
For the ransom free 

By our Saviour won. 

Then let earth to-day 
Her best offerings bring, 

Flowers, fair and sweet, 

Touched by Love's white wing. 



150 THE EASTER WREATH. 

For their soft perfume, 

Floating on the air, 
All the Christian's joy 

Seems afar to bear. 

[Soft music is now played and the six flowers advance in 
single file arid in the order that their recitations are 
given. When the Lily is in front of the table or desk 
before mentioned, they all stand, the music ceases, and 
they recite together the following lines:] 

We are the flowers, to mortals dear, 

Coming with hidden perfume here 

To celebrate this Easter Day, 

Where gladsome Christians kneel and pray. 

If brighter grows at our behest 

The star of Hope in one sad breast, 

If higher soar Faith's snowy wings, 

Lifting the soul from earthly things, 

If Christian hearts more closely cling 

Because our presence here we bring, 

Our humble praise to Him we give 

By whose all-loving power we live. 

Love. — 

But, tell us, flowers fair, we pray, 
Your names who grace this Easter Day, 



Lily. — 



I, the Lily, fair as snow, 
With my upheld cup I show 
Weary ones that God above 
Watches o'er us with His love. 



THE EASTER WREATH. 151 

While Carnation. — 

White Carnation, sweet am I, 
Mark my fragrance wafted by, 
Like a prayer that upward speeds 
To His ear that ever heeds. 

Eupatorium. — 

Eupatorium, my name, 

And the " Easter flower " my claim, 

Resurrection's hope I show, 

Though the earth is wrapped in snow. 

Narcksm. — 

I, Narcissus, smiling nigh, 
Once the " Rose of Sharon " I, 
Type of Him who broke in twain 
Sin's relentless, deadly chain. 

Snowdrop. — 

I, the Snowdrop, hiding low, 
Living on beneath the snow ; 
So God's promises abide, 
Though the clouds His smiling hide. 

Crocus. — 

I, the Crocus, first to bring 
News of earth's awakening ; 
So the bonds of death shall break 
From the soul for Jesus' sake. 



Faiih.- 



O ye flowers, 'tis true to-day, 
That ye turn the heart away 
From this earth and all its woe, 
All its dross and empty show. 



152 THE EASTER WREATH. 

Hope. — 

And the helpers thus are ye, 
Of ourselves, the mystic three, 
Making all this Easter-time 
Echo joy and peace sublime. 

All the floivers. — 

To Faith, Hope, and Love we bring, 
From hearts sincere an offering, 
Upon the shrine we humbly lay 
An Easter wreath this gladsome day. 

[Soft musie is now played while the flowers march slowly 
around the table, each laying her wreath upon it. Lily 
returns to her place in front of the table, the others talc- 
ing positions around it at regular intervals ; thus, when 
the last wreath is deposited the flowers will form a circle 
or wreath around the table. The music ceases, and all 
of the characters recite in unison the following lines :] 

Let the joyful tidings o'er the wide earth run, 
Christ for us the victory over death hath won, 
Yes, from tongue to tongue let the glad news speed, 
Hark ! " Christ is arisen," " Christ is risen indeed !" 

Faith. — Yes, " Christ is arisen." 
Hope. — " Is arisen." 
Love. — " Is risen, indeed." 
All the flowers. — " Christ is risen indeed." 
All retire to soft music. 

Clara J. Denton. 



A CHRISTMAS EXERCISE. 153 

A CHEISTMAS EXERCISE. 

Group of children on the stage ; fourteen of them bear small banners, 
each with a letter of the words " Merry Christmas." 

1. All recite. 2. The fourteen bearing banners march forward and 
arrange themselves in a line (they should be as nearly of a size as possi- 
ble). 3. Hold up banners. Each one speaks, and as he or she does so, 
turns the banner to the audience, that the letter maybe seen. 5. All 
the fourteen recite together. 6. All on stage recite. 7. Girls recite. 
8. Boys recite. 9. Ail recite. 10. Child from back of stage comes for- 
ward and speaks. 11. Children bearing banners. 12. Sound of music 
outside. 13. Enter three children. 14. Children. 

*• Out from the home of the Christmas tree, 
Where happy children play, 
With banners flying we gayly come 
To welcome you here to-day. 

What does it matter that skies are gray, 

That trees are naked and bare, 
Or that feathery flakes of falling snow 

Are filling the frosty air. 

For within there is light and warmth and joy, 

Where merry children play ; 
Ah ! who would be sad when merry bells 

Are ringing for Christmas Day? 

2 - We are happy lassies and laddies, 

Brave knights from the Christmas land ; 

3 - See, proudly we bear as we march along, 

A banner in each little hand. 
These are gleaming in purple and crimson, 

In scarlet and gold and blue, 
Do you hear what they say as one by one 

We turn their faces to you ? 



154 A CHRISTMAS EXERCISE. 

4 - I bear an M 

And I an E 

Here's K 

R 

Y 

AndC 

And here comes H 

R 

I 

S 

T 

While M 

A 

S complete you see. 

5 - This pretty wish with w T hich we meet you, 
These merry words with which we greet you. 

6 - Merry Christmas, merry Christmas, 

Shout the glad refrain, 
Merry Christmas time has come 
To visit us again. 

7 - It brightens our joys, 

8 - It brings us toys, 

9 - Fills up every empty stocking, 

We're never sad, but we are always glad, 
When Christmas-time comes a-knocking. 

And now for our merry Christmas-time, 

A welcome glad and clear, 
We'll shout, Hurrah ! the happy day 

That comes but once a year. 



A CHRISTMAS EXERCISE. 155 

10 IVe often wondered why it comes, 
This day we love so well, 
And why each year we presents bring — 
Can one among you tell ? 

11. Why no, we never thought of that. 

12 - But hark ! there's some one singing. 

13 - Good friends, canst tell us why each year 

You come rich presents bringing ? 

All ike children, who have just entered. — 

Why yes, weVe come of Christmas 

A simple tale to tell, 
The rounded year is not complete 

Without this festival. 

First Child. — 

How childish faces brighten 

When Time's clock strikes this hour, 
While merry bells are pealing 

From every minster tower. 

And so to tell the story 

Of Christmas-time we're here, 
The happy day that surely comes 

With each revolving year. 

'Tis more than eighteen hundred years 

Since first our tale begins, 
Then Christ came as a little child 

To save us from our sins. 

Second Child. — 

Yes, linked together come the years, 
Starting from that glad morn 



156 A CHRISTMAS EXERCISE. 

When far away in Bethlehem 
The baby Christ was born. 

Third Child.— 

And looking backward to that time 

How real it comes to me, 
How plain the far Judean hills 

My fancy seems to see. 

First, second, and third, together. — 

A sound of music, hark ! we hear. 

First Child. — 

O, the morning stars all sing. 

First, second, and third, pointing toward the East. — 
And see, a strange procession comes ! 

Second Child. — 

Each man is a Magian King. 

Children bearing banners speak. — 

Why have they left their kindred, 
To wander so far away ? 

Girls. — 

What do they bring? 

Boys. — 

Whom seek they here, 

In Bethlehem town to-day ? 

First Child. — 

In their native fields they were tending 

Their flocks one starless night, 
When hillside and forest, flocks and herds, 
Were bathed in a wonderful light. 



A CHRISTMAS EXEKCISE. 157 

Second Child. — 

And behold, a star in the golden light 

Shone like a spark of fire, 
And voices of angels, high o'er head, 

Came sweet as a silver lyre. 

All.— 

O fear not, sang the heavenly ones, 

For unto you this day 
Our God hath sent His only Son, 

To wash your sius away. 

Go, follow where this star shall lead, 

And when you find Him, lay 
Your choicest treasures at His feet, 

And own His gracious sway. 

Hushed were the angel voices then, 

The heavenly choir was gone, 
And lo ! they followed till that star 

Above the manger shone. 

First Child. — 

The lowing kine stood all around, 

The air was sweet with hay, 
And there, within His mother's arms, 

The baby Jesus lay. 

Second Child. — 

They bowed before Him ; gray-haired men 

Knelt at this Baby's feet, 
And laid before Him gold and pearls, 

And myrrh and spices sweet. 



158 A CHRISTMAS EXERCISE. 

All the children, — 

Since then, as every circling year 

Brings round our Christmas Day, 
Our presents we bring in honor of Him 

Who a Babe in that manger lay. 

10 - A pretty reason ! Well, I like 
Your tale of Christmas Day. 

All on the stage. — 

All our presents we'll bring in honor of Him, 
Who a Babe in the manger lay. 

Children ivith banners. — 

Raise once more our banners now, 

Lift them all on high, 
Let us make the glad refrain 

Reach the far-off sky. 

Merry Christmas ! Merry Christmas ! 

Shout it o'er and o'er, 
Merry Christmas ! Merry Christmas ! 

Welcome here once more. 

\Music~] 

"Ring, ye happy Christmas bells, 

Ri ug the precious story, 
Christ was born in Bethlehem — 

Christ, the King of glory. 
Ring, bells, ring, 

Christ is King. 
Christ is King of glory, 

Christ is born in Bethlehem — 
Christ, the King of glory." 

Lizzie M. Hadley. 



A NEW YEAR'S EXERCISE. lod 

A NEW YEAR'S EXERCISE. 

Several children stand on the stage. One represents Time, and holds 
an hour-glass. The Old Year should stand beside a half-open door. New 
Year should enter by a door on opposite side of stage. 

1. One of the group of children speaks. 

2. Speaks to Time, who holds up hour-glass. 

3. Speaks to Old Year. 

4. Old Year speaks. 

5. Bells in the distance. 

6. Old Year passes out. 

7. One of the group of children. 

8. Another child in same group. 

9. The New Year— a boy with long, yellow hair— enters. All the chil- 
dren together. 

10. New Year speaks. 

11. Enter twelve children to represent the months. 

12. Enter four children to represent the number of weeks in a month. 

13. Enter seven children to represent the days of the week. 

*• Under the drifting winter snow 

The earth is fast asleep. 
And high above, in the steel-blue sky, 
The pale stars vigils keep. 

2 - Lift up your glass, old Father Time, 

Let us see how the bright grains flow, 
For close by your side a pallid form, 
The Old Year, waits to go. 

3 - O year so feeble and bent and old, 

Before the New Year's heard — 
Your time is short — yet ere you go 
Wouldst say a parting word ? 

4 - Yes, well I know my time is brief, 

My sands are almost gone, 

Nor more for me on sea or land 

Shall dawn another morn. 



160 A NEW YEAR'S EXERCISE. 

It matters not. My day is o'er, 
I'll take my needed rest. 

The work God sent me here to do 
Is done. I've tried my best 

To do it well. Now, weak and worn, 

I lay my burden down, 
And gladly to the New Year give 

My glitt'ring golden crown. 

He's coming full of life and hope, 

A careless, happy boy. 
Dost think that one so blithe and gay 

Would bring thee aught but joy ? 

O, friends, believe whate'er he brings, 
He only does God's will, 

He sends in mercy joy or grief, 
Believe and trust Him still. 

5 - But hark ! from every steeple now 

I hear the glad bells ring, 
The last grain falls, my time is o'er, 
* Farewell ! the New Year's King. 

7- There's a quaint and curious legend 

That when the Old Year dies, 
He wings his course away from earth 
Straight up to Paradise, 

And waits outside the pearly gates 
Till Peter turns the key, 

And then within the golden streets 
He bends a lowly knee. 



A NEW YEAR'S EXERCISE. 1G1 

Before the great white throne he shows 

The record of the year, 
Wherein all deeds, the good aud bad, 

Must every one appear. 

He sees it sealed, its secrets hid, 

Till that last dreadful day, 
When sun and moon, and earth and sky, 

Shall surely pass away. 

And then among the phantom years 

That vanished one by one, 
He takes his place, a shadowy form, 

His earthly work all done. 

8 Perchance 'tis true, for in God's Book 

We read that all we say, 
The ghost of foolish words and deeds, 
Shall meet us that last day. 

All recite. — "I say unto you, that every idle word 
that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof 
in the day of judgment." — Matt xii, 36. 

9 - But see ! the brave young King appears, 

A bright-eyed, sturdy boy; 
We greet you kindly, fair young sir, 
And wish you every joy. 

10 - Thanks for your greeting, friends, 

I hear the merry bells a-ringing, 
And lii^h and low throughout the land 
The New Year's praises singing. 
11 



162 A new year's exercise. 

9 * Just so they welcomed him who now 

Passed through yon open door, 
Just so they'll welcome him who'll come 
When my brief reign is o'er. 

Well, let it pass, it matters not, 

Life's journey's but begun, 
111 do my work, and when 'tis o'er ( 

I'll hear Him say, " Well done." 

All recite. — " Well done, good and faithful servant ; 
thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make 
thee ruler over many things ; enter thou into the joy of 
thy Lord."— Matt, xxv, 21. 

All the children together.— \ 

Behold ! there slowly comes this way 

A strange and curious crew, 
The seasons, months, the weeks and days 

Come marching into view. 

Seasons together. — 

n - We are the seasons blithe and bold, 
Summer's heat, and winter's cold, 
Spring's warm sunshine, birds, and showers, 
Autumn's painted leaves and flowers ; 
He who dwells in endless day 
Started us upon our way, j 

And not till Time shall be no more I 

Shall our long day of work be o'er. 

All on stage. — " While the earth reniaineth, seed time 
and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, 
and day and night shall not cease." — Gen. viii, 22. 



A new year's exercise. 103 

Months together. — 

12 - We are the months, Time's henchmen true, 
Ever ready his work to do ; 

We lock the rivers, ponds, and lakes, 

We sift the earth with feathery flakes ; 

The brown buds swell and the green leaves come, 

We bring the insects drowsy hum, 

The autumn fruits and the ripened grain, 

Then winter's snowy reign again, 

And whatever work you give we'll do, 

For we are your servants brave and true. 

9 - Well said, well said, O months so true 
Well said, my servants bold, 
Be sure to its own time ye give 
The hours of heat and cold. 

All on stage. — " Thou hast set all the borders of the 
earth ; thou hast made summer and winter." — Ps. lxxiv, 
17. 

Weeks together. — 

13 - We are the weeks. See us march along, 
Sometimes we've a story, and sometimes a song ; 
We are not very big, but 'twill only take 
Four of our number a month to make. 

Now, bonny young King, we have come to-day 
To help you along your toilsome way ; 
No sunny and flowery path you'll tread, 
'Tis narrow and thorny and rough instead ; 
Of sorrow and trouble you'll have your share, 
It will bend your form and whiten your hair, 
But remember, however hard it may be, 
You are working for all eternity. ' 



164 A NEW YEARS EXERCISE. 

All on stage. — " Be strong, all ye people of the land 
saith the Lord, and work ; for I am with you, saith the 
Lord of hosts." — Hag. ii, 4. 

New Year. — 

What care I though my locks o' gold 

Are shorn of all their beauty ? 
Why should I fear old Father Time ? 

I've come to do my duty, 
To right old wrongs, to help the weak, 

And do the Father's will ; 
O weeks and mouths, I'll need your help 
, To every task fulfill. 

All on stage. — " I must work the works of Him that 
sent me, while it is day." — John ix, 4. 

Days together. — 
14 - We are the days, come hand in hand, 

Marching together, a happy band, 
Made up of shade and sunshine, we, 
The fairest of this company ; 
Seven sisters, good and true, 
O King, we come to welcome you ; 
We're little ones, yet well we know 
We each can help you here below, 
Help to right some bitter wrong, 
Help to make some weak one strong, 
Help you lighten some one's sorrow, 
Help ring in that golden morrow, 
When all heaven and earth shall sing 
Praises to our Heavenly King. 

All on stage. — "O, let the nations be glad and sing 
for joy." — Ps. lxvii, 4. 



A new year's exehcise. 1G5 

[Seasons, Months, Weeks, and Days all join hands and 
march round the New Year, reciting together :] . 
So we, your servants tried and true, 

Do every one appear, 
Our seasons, months, our weeks and days 
Make up your little year. 

New Year. — 

O, gather around, months and weeks, 

O days, come around me too, 
We are starting out on our journey now, 

And we all have a work to do. 
Let us do it so wisely and do it so well 
That angels who watch us will hasten to tell 
To the saints up in Heaven the wonderful story, 
And the Father who reigneth forever in glory 
Shall whisper, when all of our work is complete, 
And we stand on Death's threshold with world 

weary feet, 
Come hither, O year, and each month, week, 

and day, 
In Heaven above there's a mansion for aye. 

All recite. — " In my Father's house are many man- 
sions." — John xiv, 2. 

Lizzie M. Hadley. 



166 WHICH PATH? 

WHICH PATH ? 

For six children. 

An arch trimmed with evergreens should stand half way back on a 
platform ; the arch divided into two parts, one part three times as large 
as the other. Over the top of the arch the words, "A Happy New Year," 
under them and over the larger division of the arch the words, " Worldly 
Pleasure," and over the smaller part of the arch the word "Duty" are 
to be written. A boy dressed as Father Time will stand at the division 
of the arch. A number of persons are to be placed back of the arch, out 
of sight, to sing in chorus the verses following each speech. 

First Voice. — 

Standing here on the threshold of Happy New Year, 

I pause for a moment to muse 
On the paths now before me : I would I could know 

Just which of these ways I should choose* 
Oh, shall I choose pleasure, or shall I choose duty ? 
[Looks in.] 
The first offers well, and looks fair ; 

[Draws back and listens to chorus.'] 
But ah ! still methinks from the narrower portal 
Sweet voices are calling me there. 

[ Chorus bach of arch, C. M. tune."] 
List to the call of pleading love, 

And hither turn thy feet, 
This path, from worldly care and strife, 

Leads to a calm retreat. 

First Voice. — 

Your sweet pleading I hear ; my choice is now made, 

I'll enter this narrower way. 
Worldly pleasure from hence can allure me no more, 
[Enters narrow path.] 
111 follow this path, nor delay. 



WHICH PATH? 167 

Secona Voice. — 

Wide open the pathway of pleasure and ease, 
In which I may willingly tread 

plain path of duty, sometime I may choose thee, 
When all of life's pleasures have fled. 

[Stands listening.] 

[Chorus back of arch ; tune, "Upidee " in College Songs.] 
O come, and let us dance awhile, 

Tral-la-la, Tral-la-la, 
With joyous step and gladsome smile, 

Tral-la-la-la-la. 
Though some may weep, we'll happy be, 

And sing a merry melody. 
Tral-la-la-la-la-la-la, Tral-la-la, Tral-la-la, 
Tral-la-la-la-la-la-la, Tral-la-la-la -la. 

Second Voice. — 

Your gay calling I hear, and gladly I come 

To join in your joy and your mirth, 
Tho' grim Time may stand at the door of the path, 
To warn that your charms are of earth, 
[Enters wide path.] 

Third Voice. — 

1 seek for a pathway, illumined and bright, 
Where true pleasures never decay, 

Earthly splendor can never bring purest delight ; 
O duty, I choose thee to-day. 

[Stands listening.'] 

[Chorus, C. M. tune.] 
Come, walk betimes in Wisdom's way, 
All murmurings now cease, 



168 WHICH PATH? 

These ways are ways of pleasantness, 
And all these paths are peace. 

Third Voice. — 
The path I long have sought is here, 

I'll quickly enter in ; 
The way, though narrow, I'll not fear, 

With peace and joy to win. 

Fourth Voice. — 

And must I now choose but one of these paths ? 

Ah ! this one looks pleasant and wide ; 
I surely will never find thorns on this road, 
For the flowers of ease grow inside. 
[Stands listening.'] 

[Chorus; tune, "A Life on the Ocean Wave."] 

A life of pleasure and ease, 

A home of beauty and pride, 
We'll give these things that please, 

Then ask for nothing beside. 
You can choose right here and now 

All the pleasures life can give, 
And there's many in store, I trow, 

For those who for pleasures live. 
[Repeat first four lines.] 

Fourth Voice. — 

O, I listen with joy to the voices within, 

They bid me be merry and gay, 
The pathway of duty I never can tread, 
This surety's the happier way. 
f Enters wide path.] 



WHICH TATH? 169 

Fifth Voice, addressing Father Time. — 

tell me, please tell me, I pray, Father Time, 
In which of these ways I must go ? 

Or better, still better, wilt thou walk beside 
And talk of the things I should know ? 

Shall I pass Worldly Pleasure, nor let it persuade me 
To enter the wide-open gate ? 

But firmly press forward and enter the portal 
Of duty, before it's too late ? 

[Time takes speaker by the hand and stands at Gate of 
Pleasure and speaks :] 

1 would have you to pause ere you enter a path, 

And gaze for a moment inside, 
This roadside of pleasure, tho' pleasing to view, 

Hath not footprints of Wisdom to guide. 
The flowers, ere they're gathered, oft wither and die, 

And the fruits are quite bitter to taste, 
And the road tho' so broad ends in w T eary despair, 

O turn, nor a moment now waste. 

[Time leads her to narrow path.'] 

But look well and consider on Duty's plain way, 

Tho' 'tis narrow its straightness behold, 
And for those who press forward the loveliest flowers 

Their beauty and fragrance unfold. 
It is true, thorns may wound them as onward they go, 

But they'll find, if they earnestly try, 
That beside the sharp thorns sweetest roses most rare, 

In closest proximity lie. 

Fifth Voice replies. — 

I will heed your kind voice and now enter this road, 
But what at the end will appear ? 



170 A TEMPERANCE ALPHABET. 

Time says : — 
Just listen a moment, I think you will know ; 
Sweet voices, tho' distant, I hear. 

[Chorus; "Old Hundred."] 

Blest are the people of the earth 
Who early choose plain duty's way. 

That leads to joys unspeakable 

And pleasures which can ne'er decay. 

[Fifth speaker and Time enter narrow gate during sing- 
ing.'] 

E. J. GOQDFELLOWo 



A TEMPERANCE ALPHABET. 

This exercise may be given by either twenty-six or thirteen children \ 
if by the latter number, the first child will repeat both the first and the 
fourteenth voices, etc. The superintendent or leader should call each 
letter distinctly, and ail should repeat the watchwords in concert. 

A. — Abstain from all appearance of evil. 

First Voice. — . 

Don't think you can tamper and trifle with sin, 

And yet escape danger and shame ; 
When once on the pathway of wrong you begin, 

Tis just like the moth and the flame. 

B. — Be not among wine-bibbers. 

Second Voice. — 

A better time would soon appear 
If all who now drink wine and beer 
Would join with us, the temperance band, 
To spread the cause through all the land. 



A TEMPERANCE ALPHABET. 171 

C. — Cold water is the best drink in the world. 

Third Voice. — 
Sparkling and bright in its liquid light 

Is the water in our glasses ; 
'Twill give you health, 'twill give you wealth, 

Ye lads and rosy lasses. 

D. — Dare to say No, when you are asked to do wrong. 

Fourth Voice. — 

Dare to do right, dare to be true ; 
You have a work that no other can do ; 
Do it so bravely, so wisely, so well, 
Angels will hasten the story to tell. 

E. — Even a child is known by his doings. 

Fifth Voice. — 

For the want of warning, little children stray 
From the path of Temp'rance hopelessly away : 
Who will stoop to train them ? Who will lend a 

hand 
To guide the little children to the better land ? 

F. — Fight for the home against the saloon. 

Sixth Voice. — 

There's a battle to be fought, 

A victory to be gained ; 
There's a country to be saved, 

A host from sin reclaimed. 
There's an enemy abroad 

So subtle and so strong, 
That the conflict must be fierce, 

The struggle must be long. 



172 A TEMPERANCE ALPHABET. 

G. — God is ever on the side of the right. 

Seventh Voice. — 

Truth crushed to earth will rise again, 

The eternal years of God are hers ; 
But Error, wounded, writhes in pain, 

And dies amid his worshippers. 

H. — He that hesitates is in danger. 

Eighth Voice. — 

Which way are you going, my brother, 

Which way ? 
Are you treading life's path, or the other 

That leadeth astray ? 

I. — In abstinence there is safety. 

Ninth Voice. — 

Drain the cup never ! Shun it forever ; 
Take the pledge gladly, lest you may sadly 
Look back with a sigh as death draweth nigh. 

J. — Join the cold water army. 

Tenth Voice. — 

Ale and Beer ana Cider 

Are the drunkards A, B, C ; 
But that is not the alphabet 

For temperance boys like me. 
Abstinence, Boldness, Candor 

Are better words by far, 
And we'll write them on our banner, 

For teetotalers we are. 

K. — Keep the pledge as long as you live. 



A TEMPERANCE ALPHABET. 173 

Eleventh Voice. — 

No brandy, whisky, gin, or rum 
Into my mouth shall ever come ; 
And here I pledge perpetual hate 
To all that can intoxicate. 

L. — Look not upon the wine when it is red. 

Twelfth Voice.— 

The ruby wine that from the vine 

Doth woe and sorrow bring, 
Is freighted with death, and its every breath 

Is like to a scorpion's sting. 

31. — Moderate drinking leads to drunkenness. 

Th irteenth Vo ice. — 

The first little drop of strong drink that is taken 

Is the first step to ruin ; this children may know, 
If the first little drop be in earnest forsaken, 

We shall never be drunkards, oh never ! No ! no ! 

N. — No drunkard can enter the kingdom of heaven. 

Fourteenth Voice. — 

There's a beautiful land, we are told, 
With rivers of silver and streets of gold ; 
Bright are the beings whose shining feet 
Wander along each quiet street ; 
Sweet is the music that fills the air — 
No drunkards are there. 

0. — Of all vices intemperance costs the most. 



174 A TEMPERANCE ALPHABET. 

Fifteenth Voice. — 

It costs you your money, your health, and your 

time, 
It leads you to misery, ruin, and crime ; 
And he who prolongs the delights of the bowl 
May find, in the end, that it costs him his soul. 

P. — Pray for strength to resist temptation. 

Sixteenth Voice. — 

Have we trials and temptations ? 

Is there trouble anywhere ? 
We should never be discouraged, 
Take it to the Lord in prayer. 

Q. — Quit the company of evil doers. 

Seventeenth Voice. — 

If you choose for bosom friends, 

Those who drink and lie and swear, 
You will learn their wicked ways — 
So of evil doers beware. 

R. — Rally round the temperance banner. 

Eighteenth Voice. — 

Lift high the temperance banner! 

Ay, proudly let it wave, 
To save the poor inebriate 

From a degraded grave. 

S. — Stand firm when others falter. 

Nineteenth Voice. — 

Whenever you are asked to drink, 
Pause a moment, my boy, and think — - 



A TEMPERANCE ALPHABET. 175 

Think of the homes now shadowed with woe, 
That might have been heavens had some one said 
"No." 

T — Touch not, taste not, handle not the unclean thing 

Twentieth Voice, — 

There is poison in its breath — 

Touch it not! 
Oft it proves the cup of death — 

Taste it not ! 
Handle not the unclean thing, 
Lest it shame and sorrow bring. 

U. — Upward and onward we march day by day. 

Twenty-first Voice. — 

Come, join the noble army, 
Enlist now for the fight ; 
Maintain our nation's honor, 
Firm stand ye for the right. 

V. — Victory is theirs who fight for the right. 

Twenty-second Voice. — 

But Truth shall conquer at the last, 

For round and round we run, 
And ever the right comes uppermost, 

And ever is justice done. 

W. — Work while it is day. 

Twcnty-th ird Vo ice. — 

Work for the right, be it ever so slowly, 

Do what you cau, though your best be but lowly, 



176 A TEMPERANCE ALPHABET. 

All earnest effort is noble and holy, 
Work with a purpose and work with a will. 

X. — 'Xpect to succeed, and you will succeed. 

Twenty-fourth Voice. — 

When we're fighting for the right 

Let us never be dismayed ; 
With the Lord upon our side 

Wherefore should we be afraid ? 

F. — Yet a little while, and intemperance shall be no 
more. 

Twenty-fifth Voice. — 

There's a good time coming, boys, 

Wait a little longer ! 
We're growing older every day, 

Our ranks are growing stronger. 

Z. — Zeal, with discretion and charity, will banish old 
King Alcohol. 

Twenty-sixth Voice. — 

Zealous workers we will be 

In a righteous cause, 
Till our State and nation, too, 

Are blessed with temperance laws. 

All sing " Temperance Boys and Girls are We," from 
Ripples of Song, or some other good temperance chorus. 

Elizabeth Lloyd. 



EASTER EXERCISE. 1 i ( 

EASTER EXERCISE. 

Group of children stand on platform. Three first speakers step forward 
a little. Fourth child holds a wand covered with silver paper. 

1. Steps forward and looks at others while speaking. 

2. Raises wand. 

3. Waves wand. 

4. Child dressed in Eastern costume enters. 

5. Child with wand speaks. 

6 Child in Eastern costume speaks. 

7. Clasps hands as if in prayer. 

8. Child with wand 

9 Boy in armor enters. (The armor is easily made by sewing gilt paper 
over stout brown paper.) 

10 Boy speaks. 

11. Boy speaks. 

12. Child with wand. 

13 Enter child in Jewish costume. 

14. Child in Jewish costume speaks. 

15. Child with wand speaks. 

16. Girls all recite. 

17. All boys recite 

18. Child with wand. 

19. Child dressed in white enters and speaks. 

20. Child with wand. 

21. Child dressed in white. 

First Child.— 

Just when the winter lingers, loth to go, 

And brown fields show e'en yet a patch of snow, 

Second Child. — 

When brooks, their doors unbarred, hurry along, 
Each singing as it goes a happy song, 

Third Child. — 

And brown buds, swelling with the starting sap, 
Tell that old Earth is waking from her nap, 

Fird, second, and third together. 

'Tis then the ancients, so old legends say, 
Held with the op'ning spring a festal day. 



178 EASTER EXERCISE. 

First Child. — 

And slipping downward through the dusty years 
In various guises, lo ! that day appears. 

Second Child. — 

Jew, Persian, Saxon, so the stories say, 
Each in his own strange fashion kept the day, 

First, second, third together. — 

And we, for Him who died upon the cross, 
Who suifered all life's passion and its loss, 

l ; Who died that we might live, to Him we bring 
On Easter morn our fairest offering. 

h Now w T ouldst thou know why in this curious way 
Jn olden times these nations kept the day? 

Then stand by me. 2 - Behold within my hand, 
All tightly clasped, a tiny silver wand — 

A magic wand. See ! as I wave it so, 3 - 
I summon spirits from the long ago. 

4 - The first appears. 5 - Child of the sun, 

From Persia's snow-crowned mountains, 
Dost come to tell of gardens fair, 

Of proves and murmuring fountains? 



to* 



6 - Nay, not for these. I come to tell 
To all a simple story ; 
I bring a leaf from out the past 
Of Iran's vanished glory. 



EASTER EXERCISE. 1 7 ) 

Such wondrous sights and sounds were those 

In olden days we saAV, 
When Tore the Sun-god's awful power 
7 - We bowed in reverent awe. 

Then winter's cruel reign was done, 

Our New Year had its birth ; 
Once more the sun, with golden rays, 

Touched kindly mother Earth. 

She felt his touch, the frozen blood 

Stirred in her heart so cold ; 
The trees grew green, and grass and flowers 

Peeped through the sweet brown mold. 

And so, to give all honor due 6 - 

To Astarte and the sun, 
Twas then we held high festival 

For a New Year just begun. 

All the school recite: — The 14th of April was the 
Persian New Year, and on this day they held a festival 
in honor of their godd.ss Astarte and the sun. 



8. 



9 



10 



Old as the world itself, the tale 
You tell us here to-day, 

But see! another takes your place. 
What of your festal day ? 

My simple story soon is told, 
An ancient Saxon knight, 

I well remember how we bowed 
Before the goddess Light. 



180 EASTER EXERCISE. 

Her home the Oest, where every morn 
We saw her watch-fires burning, 

Her festival and Oesterday 
With every spring returning. 

All the school recite: — On the 14th of April the 
Saxons held a festival in honor of their goddess, Oester. 

1L That word comes down the long, long years, 

To name your festival. 
12 « 'Tis well — pass on. — 13 - Another comes. 

What is the tale you tell ? 

u - Down where the waters of the Nile 

Forever seaward flow, 
From far-off Egypt, lo, there comes 
A dreadful cry of woe. 

The land lay hushed in sleep the night 

God's angel walked that way, 
The morning broke, in every house 

The first-born dying lay. 

Only within the Hebrew homes 

The children peaceful slept. 
For this, with each returning spring, 

The Passover is kept. 

All recite. — And this day shall be unto you for a 
memorial ; and ye shall keep it a feast to the Lord 
throughout your generations; ye shall keep it a feast by 
an ordinance forever. — Ex. xii, 14. 



EASTER EXERCISE. 181 

15 - O quaint and curious customs these, 

Of which you each one tell, 
But best of all I think I like 
Our Easter festival. 

16, Tis then the night of death is past, 

Its shadows fled away, 
With grateful hearts once more we greet 
The morning's first faint ray. 

17 ' And then we lay, like men of old, 

Our presents at His feet, 
O, the Magians' myrrh and spices 
Than our lilies were not more sweet. 

18 - Shall I show you that first glad Easter 

When the dawn like a glory came, 
While the heavenly choir were chanting 
Praises to His great name ? 

Then watch once more while my w r and I wave, 
And from out the shadowy train 

I'll summon one w T ith my magic art 
Who will tell the story again. 

The door that hides the past from sight 
Flies open to this guest. 

19 - You called. I bow before your power, 

I come at your behest. 



20 



'Tis well ; now turn to long past scenes 

No mortal eyes may see, 
We'd have you tell how broke the morn 

On blood-stained Calvary. 



182 EASTER EXERCISE. 

21 • A cloud hangs over the mountain's brow, 

The sun is out and the stars are dim, 
In silence and darkness the whole world sits, 
In sackcloth it mourns for Him. 

Now spices and ointments the women bring, 
And perfume so sweet and rare, 

And patiently wait without in the gloom 
For the dawn of the morning fair. 

They watch by the sealed sepulchre, 

Weary, sad, and forlorn, 
Till far in the east the first feint rays 

Herald the coming dawn. 

The dull east brightens, till all the earth 
Is ashine with the wonderful light, 

But the Master is gone, and there in His place 
An angel in shining white. 

All Recite. — " And entering into the sepulchre, they 
saw a young man sitting on the right hand side, clothed 
in a long white garment. — Mark xvi, 5. 

Child in white. — 

They were dumb in the awful presence, 

But their hearts leaped up as he said, 
Go, seek ye no more the living 

Here 'mong the homes of the dead. 

Grim Death at last has been conquered, 
His bands have been rent in twain, 

Go, tell the glad news to the nations, 
The Lord is risen again. 



EASTER EXERCISE. 183 

All recite. — " Ho in not here, but is risen. " — Luke 
xxiv, (i 

Girls recite. — - 

O, swing your censers in valley and wood, 

Ye flowers He loved so well, 
O lilies, nodding on slender stems, 

Ring out every perfumed bell. 

Boys recite. — 

O sun, shine brighter than ever before 

As you keep in your onward way, 
The doors of the tomb have been rent in twain, 

And the Lord is risen to-day. 

Girh recite. — 

O, little birds, sing your silver sweet songs 

On your perch in the tree tops high, 
Tell the wonderful news to the whole glad 
earth, 
Let it reach to the far-off sky. 

Boys. — 

There angels, walking the golden streets, 

Shall heavenly banners unfurl, 
And the warders shall haste to let Him in 

Through the gates of jasper and pearl. 

All recite. — Lift up your heads, O ye gates ; and be ye 
lift up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of Glory 
shall come in. 

Boys. — Who is this King of Glory ? 

Girk. — The Lord, strong and mighty; the Lord, 
mighty in battle. 

One Child.— 

Then lift your doors, ye heavenly hosts, 
Open your gates again, 



184 eastee rx;:r:cisi:. 

Give a welcome glad to your Xing to day 
As He comes with His shadowy train. 

Another Child. — 

The poor and the blind, the weak and vile, 

Who heard His " Come unto me," 
Have followed His steps through the gates of 
death 
From the mountain of Calvary. 

All recite, — Lift up your heads, O ye crates ; even 
lift them up, ye everlasting doors ; and the King of 
Glory shall come in. 

Boys. — Who is this King of Glory ? 

Girls. — The Lord of hosts, He is the King of Glory. 

Third Child recites.— 

Yes, lift your pearly gates, ye hosts, 

Ye heavenly bells, all ring, 
Behold, He comes, the Lord of all — 
Our Saviour, Master, King. 

Fourth Child recites. — 

O, not in regal state He comes, 

No* brave attire He wears, 
A crown of thorns upon His head, 

A cross He meekly bears. 

A 11 recite. — 

Behold ! the symbol of our faith, 
That cross shall stand for aye, 
And through it nations yet unborn 
Shall find the heavenly way. 

Music. — " Our Lord is risen from the dead." 

Lizzik M. Hadley. 



An ALPHABETICAL LIST tf trie con'ents o «*R!OUS PUBLICATIONS* 

TilK ELOCUTIONIST'S AJSSsi,-±LS. 

Prepaid, each number, Paper Binding, 30 Ctv - Cloth, 50 Cts. 



No. i. 



Abraham Lincoln. 

After the Accident 

Annie and Willie's Prayer. 

Army and Navy, The (Tab- 
leau). 

Beautiful, The (Tableau). 

Betsey and I are Out. 

Blue and the Gray, The. 

Boys, The 

Break, Break, Break. 

Bridge, The. 

Bugle Song. 

Bullum versus Boatum. 

Burial of Moses, The. 

Charcoal Man, The. 

Charge of the Li^ht Bri- 
gade. 

Child- Wife, The. 

Coming and Going. 

Creeds of the Bells, The. 

Crossing the ("airy. 

Death of Tattle Joe. 

Death of Little Nell. 

Difficulty of Rhyming, The. 

Dying Christian, The. 

Empty Nest, The. 

Experience with European 
Guides 



CONTENTS OF 

Hamlet's Instruction to the 
Players. 

Hamlet's Ghost, 

Independence Bell. 

Isle of Long Ago, The. 

It's All for Bread and But- 
ter (Dialogue), 

Jean Anderson, my Joy, 
Jean. 

John Maynard. 

Katie Lee and Willie Gray. 

Katydid. 

Launch of the Ship, The. 

Lullaby. 

Memory of Washington, 
The. 

Modern Cain, The. 

Mrs. Caudle's Lecture. 

My Early Home. 

My Mule. 

Nathan's Case. 

Nobody's Child. 

Old Year and the New, 
The. 

Old Yankee Farmer, The. 

Orator Puff. 

Othello's Apology. 

Our Folks. 

Over the Hill, 



Evening at the Farm. 

Extract from the Last Over the River. 

Speech of Robt. Emmett. Patrick Dolin's Love-Let- 
Farmer's Kitchen before ter. 

Thanksgiving (Tableau). Pat's Excelsior. 
Forty Years Ago. : Pax Vobiscum. 

Frog Hollow Lyceum, The Prodigal Son, The. 

(Dialogue;. , Psalm XXIII. 

tyipsy Camp (Tableau), 



r 



Psalm XXIV. 

Rainy Day, The. 

Relief of Lucknow, The. 

Revolutionary Rising, The 

Romeo and Juliet, Balcoay 

Scene (Dialogue). 
Sam Weller's Valentin© 

(Tableau). 
Scripture Tableaux. 
Scrooge and Marley. 
Searching for Happiness 

(Pantomime). 
Signing the Pledge ^Tab- 
leau). 
Smack in School, The. 
Song of the Forge, The 

(Dialogue). 
Song of the Winter Winds. 
Song Revels. 

Spartacus to the Gladiators. 
To a Christmas Pudding. 
To Whom shall we Give 

Thanks? 
Tragedy, A. 
"Uncle Pete's Counsel to the 

Newly Married. 
Waif, A. 
Why He Wouldn't Sell the 

Farm. 
William Tell. 
Will the New Year Come 

To-Night? 
Woman's Rights (Tableau). 
Woman's Rights. 
Your Mission. 
You Put no Flowers on mj 

Papa's Grave. 



Andrew Jackson. 

Arnold Winkelried. 

Barn Window, The. 

Bells of Shandon, The. 

Bible Reading. 

Brought to Trial for Bio win* 
(Dialogue). 

Buck Fanshaw's Fune- 
ral. 
Assius against Caesar. 

Ohar-co-o-al. 

Charity. 

Choosing (Dialogue). 

Christmas Carol, A. 

Christmas Eve (^Panto- 
mime). 



Courtship Under Difficul- Lochinvar's Ride 



CONTENTS OF No. 2. 

Flower (Flour) Girl (Tab-, Old and Blind. 

leau). Only a Boy. 

Ghosts, The. 
Go It Alone. 
Hallowed be Thv Name 

(Tableau). 
Hamlet's Soliloquy. 
Hezekiah Bedott. 
High Tide ; or, The Brides Puzzled Dutchman, The. 

of Enderby. Red Jacket, The. 

How Mr. Coville Counted Robinson Crusoe. 

the Shingles. j Rogers' Groups (Tableaux). 

Isaiah XXXV. 'Romance of Nick Vaa 

Johnny's Opinion of Grand-: Stann, The. 

mothers. : Rum's Maniac. 

Liberty and Union. j Scripture Tableaux. 



Oratory and the Press. 
Over the Hill to the Poo*» 

house. 
Playing Singing-School 

(Dialogue). 
Polish Boy, The. 



ties (Dialogue) 

Darius Green and his Fly- 
ing Machine. 

Death of Eva. 

Demagogue, The. 

Dows Flat, 1856. 

Dutchman's Speech at xn 
Institute, A. 

East and the West One, 
The. 

Egyptian Debate (Dia- 
logue). 

Excelsior. 

Father in Heaven. 

First Appearance in Type. 



'Sixty-four and Sixty-five. 



May Queen — Conclusion, Socrates Snooks. 

The. Soldier's Reprieve, The. 

Miss Maloney on the Chi- Spanish Armada, The. 

nese Question. , Three Fishers, The (Tab.. 



Mr. Coville on Danbury. 
Month of Mars, The. 
Morning, Noon and Night 

(Dialogue). 
Nature of True Eloquence, 

The. 
New Church Organ, The. 
New Year's Address. A. 
¥orth American Indians. 
Old Man in the Model 

Church, The. 



leau). 
Trial Scene — Merchant of 

Venice (Dialogue). 
Twenty -third Psalm, The. 
Washington as a Civilian. 
Where Shall the Baby'i 

Dimple be ? 
Wolsey's Fall. 
Yarn of the Nancv Bell 

The. 
JYeung Scholar, The. 



a I liave used the numbers of the Elocutionist's Annual for fom 
years, and have found it the best collection of standard pieces, 

both for my own reading and for the use of my pupils, that I bave 
ever seen."— Prof. J. M. Gillam, Instructor in Elocution in IllinoH 
Wesleyan University. Bloomington, Illinois. 



CONTENTS OF No. 3. 



Adoon the Lane. 

American Flag, The. 

Baby's First Tooth, The. 

Bardell and Pickwick. 

Baron's Last Banquet, The. 

Battle of Beal' an Duine. 

Blindness. 

Burning Ship, The. 

Charlie Machree. 

Christmas Hymn. 

Christmas -Tide (Dialogue). 

Closing Year, The. 

Cinderella's Slipper (Ta- 
bleau). 

Cynic, The. 

Despair is Never Qmte De- 
spair. 

Eagle's Rock, The, 

Famine, The. 

Female Gossip. 

Goodness and Greatness of 
God. 

Good-Night, Papa. 

Haunted House v The. 

Hypochondriac, The. 



If I should Die To- Night. 
Indian Chief to the White 

Settler, The. 
Inquiry, The. 
Jack and Gill. 
Kit Carson's Ride. 
Laughin' in Meetin'. 
Lides to Bary Jade. 
Little Goldenhair. 
Lost and Found. 
Maud Muller. 
Monster Cannon, The. 
National Monument to 

Washington. 
Negro Prayer. 
Old Forsaken School- house, 

The. 
Painter of Seville, The. 
Parrhasius and the Captive. 
Parting Hymn. 
Passing Away. 
Poor Little Jim. 
Power of Habit, The. 
Promise, The. 
Pulpit Oratory. 



Quarrel of Brutus and Ca#« 
sius (Dialogue). 

Reaching the Early Traim. 

Reply to Mr. Corry. 

Reverie in Church. 

Rock of Agea. 

Scripture Scenes (Ta* 
bleaux). 

Senator's Dilemma, The. 

Seven Ages of Man. 

Signs and Omens. 

Song of Moses. 

Song of the Sea. 

Songs of Seven (Dialogue). 

Tell on his Native Hills. 

Three Fishers, The. 

Train to Mauro, The (Dia- 
logue). 

Trust in God. 

Two Glasses, The. 

Vagabonds, The. 

Wax-Work. 

Welcome to Summer, A. 

Woman. 

W aiting for the Ch^drea. 



CONTENTS OF No. 4. 



A Man's a Man, for a' That. 

Age. 

Angels «f Buena Vista, The. 

Annuity, The. 

Appeal to the Sextant for 
Air, An. 

Aunt Kindly. 

Baggage- Smasher, Ye. 

Battle of Bunker's Hill, The 

Battle Hymn of the Repub- 
lic. 

Black Horse and his Rider, 
The. 

Bridal Wine Cup, The (Di- 
alogue). 

Burning Prairie, The. 

Cause of Temperance, The. 

Centennial Oration. 

Christmas Sheaf, The. 

Clarence's Dream. 

Columbia's Centennial Par- 
ty (Dialogue). 

Columbia. 

Contentment. 

Burfew Must Not Ring To- 
Night. 



Deacon Munroe's Story. 

Dead Church, The. 

Declaration of Independ- 
ence. 

Dora. 

Dot Lambs vot Mary Haf 
Got. 

Faith and Reason. 

Fire, The. 

Gambler's Wife, The. 

Ghost, The. 

Grandmother's Story. 

Great Beef Contract, The. 

How a Married Man Sews 
on a Button. 

Judge Pitman on Various 
Kinds of Weather. 

Kentucky Belle. 

Leap-Year Wooing, A. 

Love Your Neighbor as 
Yourself. 

Maiden's Last Farewell, 
The. 

Mark Antony Scene (Dia- 
logue). 

Modest Wit, A. 



Negro Prayer, A. 

No God. 

Ode to the Deity. 

Ode to Independence Hail, 
An. 

Ode to the Legislature. 

Our Own. 

Paul Revere 's Ride. 

Quarrel of Squire Bull and 
his Son Jonathan, The. 

Rationalistic Chicken, The, 

Raven, The. 

Remember Now thy Gro 
ator. 

Rest. 

Revelation XXII. 

Rienzi's Address. 

Rival Speakers, The (Dia- 
logue). 

Spirit of 76 (Tableau). 

Tommy Taft. 

Tribute to Washington. 

Union, The. 

What the Old Man Said. 

Yankee's Stratagem, n* 
(Dialogue). 



From, ike Transcript, Portland, Maine. 

•"These selections evince correct, taste and furnish the amateta 

trader and the professional elocutionist with the widest rang* 

of subjects for occasions on which matters of that kind may be 

needed." 



Ager, The. 

£11 that Glitters is not Gold 
(Dialogue). 

Archie Dean. 

Bannock -Burn. 

Betty Lee. 

Brave at Home, The. 

Bride of the Greek Isle, 
Tfafr 

Brook, The. 

Budge's Version of the 
Flood. 

Catiline's Defiance. 

Centennial Hymn. 

Comin' Thro' the Bye (Ta- 
bleau). 

Competing Railroads, The 
(Dialogue). 

Corinthians, I, XV. 

Course of Love too Smooth, 
Tne. 

Dedication of Gettysburg 
Cemetery. 

Elder Mr. Weller's Senti- 
ments on Literary Com- 
position. 

Fairy -Land. 

Fashionable Singing. 

Flood of Years, The. 



CONTENTS OF No. 

Good Reading. 

Hans and Fritz. 

He Giveth His Beloved 
Sleep. 

Heroes of the Land of 
Penn. 

How we Hunted a Mouse. 

John and Tibbie's Dispute. 

Lahore est Orare. 

Last Hymn, The. 

Leak in the Dyke, The. 

Listeners Hear no Good of 
Themselves (Tableau). 

Lost and Found, 

Magdalena ; or, The Span- 
ish Duel. 

Maiden Martyr, The. 

Man Wants but Little Here 
Below. 

Man's Ingratitude. 

Membranous Croup and the 
McWilliamses. 

Moral Effects of Intemper- 
ance. 

Morning. 

My Trundle-Bed. 

Old Ironsides. 

Once Upon a Time. 

Only a Baby. 



CONTENTS OF No. 



Artemus "Ward's London 1 

Lecture. 
Asleep at the Switch 
Ave Maria. 
Battle of Ivry, The. 
Bob-o'-link. 
Bridge of Sighs, The. 
Brother Anderson's Sev- 

mon. 
Cane-Bottomed Chair, The. 
Children's Hour, The. 
Cool Reason (Dialogue). 
Dagger Scene, The. 
Day at Niagara, A. 
Deserted House, The. 
Doctor Marigold. 
Dukite Snake, The. 
Easter Morning. 
Edith Helps Things Along. 
Eve and the Serpent. 
Extract .from "The Last 

Days of Herculaneum." 



Father Phil's Collection. 
From the Tragedy of King 

John (Dialogue). 
Fruits of Labor, The. 
Getting Under Way. 
Gradatim. 
Green- Mountain Justice, 

The. 
Hard Shave, A (Tableau). 
Hatchet Story. 
Ho ! Every One that Thirst- 

eth! 
Home Song. 
Jane Conquest. 
Jennie M'Neal's Ride. 
Little Allie. 
Malibran and the Young 

Musician. 
Mary Stuart (Dialogue). 
My Country, 'tis of Thee. 
Nae Luck Aboot the House. 
Niagara- 



5. 

Over the Hills and Atf 

Away. 
Parthenia (Dialogue). 
Prisoner of Chillon, The. 
Prince Henry and FaMatf 

(Dialogue). 
Puritans, The. 
Ready for a Kiss. 
Regret. 
Samantha Smith become! 

Josiah Allen's Wife. 
Saracen Brothers (Dia* 

logue). 
Schoolmaster's Guests, The. 
Song of Birds. 
Swell's Soliloquy, The 
Southland. 
Summer Friends. 
Swallowing a Fly. 
To a Skull. 

Tramp, Tramp, Tramp. 
True Contentment. 
Uncle Daniel's Introduc- 
tion to a Mississippi 

Steamer. 
Vaudois Missionary, The. 
Where is Papa To-Night. 
Why Biddie and Pat Ma*. 

ried. 



6. 

Old Sergeant, The. 

Oratory. 

Organ Creations. 

Palmetto and the Pini„ The. 

Professor Puzzled, The 

(Dialogue). 
Relentless Time. 
Satan and the Grog- seller., 
School "Called." 
Song of the Crickets,. The* 
Songs in the Night. 
St. John the Aged. 
Thanatopsis. 
Thanksgiving, A. 
To a Friend. 
Tom. 
Tribute to East Tennessee 

A. 
Valley Forge. 
Washington (Tableau), 
Sekle. 



Prof. George P. Beard, Principal South-western State Normal School, 
California, Pa., says : " The Elocutionist's Annual is largely used 
by students of this school for choice selections for public recitatiom. 
and class-reading. They are admirably adapted to the practi* 
eal work of elocution." 



CONTENTS OF No. 7. 



4merican War, The. 

Auld Lang Syne. 

Books. 

Builders, The. 

Care of God, The. 

Crescent and the Cross,The. 

Cuddle Doon. 

Daisy's Faith. 

Death of the Old Year, The. 

Death of Nelson, The. 

Death of the Old Squire, 
The. 

Early Christmas Morning. 

Fair Play for Women. 

Farmer's Life, The. 

Glove and the Lions, The. 

Gray Honors the Blue, The. 

Hamlet, Act II., Scene 2 
(Dialogue). 

Hannah Binding Shoes. 

Henry the Fifth at Har- 
fleur. 

How Tom Sawyer White- 
washed his Fence. 



Leper, The. 

Light -house May. 

Locbiel's Warning (Dia- 
logue). 

Longing. 

Masters of the Situation. 

Master's Touch, The. 

Mai-co Bozzaris. 

Milking-Time. 

Mine Katrine. 

Model Discourse, A. 

Mont Blanc before Sunrise. 

My Minde to Me a King- 
dom Is. 

Night After Christmas, The. 

Night Before Christmas, 
The. 

Old Grimes. 

Old Robin. 

Our Minister's Sermon. 

Our Traveled Parson. 

Owl Critic, The. 

Parody, A. 

Paradise. 



After Death. 

American Specimen, An. 

Arrow and the Song, The. 

Bald-headed Man, The. 

Bay Billy. 

Beecher on Eggs. 

Better in the Morning. 

Bessie Kendrick's Journey. 

Blue Sky Somewhere. 

Carl. 

Character of Washington, 

The. 
Child Musician, The. 
Christmas Carol, A. 
Coney Island Down der 

Pay. 
defence of Lucknow, The. 
Emigrant's Story, The. 
Enoch Arden. 
Everlasting Memorial, The. 
Fire-Bell's. Story, The. 
First Quarrel The. 
Gran'raa Al'as Does. 
Harvesters, The (Tableau). 
Iter Letter. 



How Ruby Played. 

In the Garret. 

International Episode, An. 

King's Missive, 1661, The. 

Leap Year in the Village 
with One Gentleman (Di- 
alogue). 

Lesson, The. 

Little Feet. 

Monk in his Cell, A (Ta- 
bleau). 

Mrs. Mac Williams and the 
Lightning. 

Nations and Humanity. 

Nebuchadnezzar. 

"N" for Nannie and "B" 
for Ben. 

Nun at her Devotions, A 
(Tableau), 

Old Folks. 

Ophelia (Tableau). 

Order for a Picture, An. 

Over the Hill from the 
Poorhouse. 

.Peace in God. 



Paul before King Agrippa. 
Reflections on WestmLastw 

Abbey. 
Royal Princess, A. 
Saving Mission of Infa»«r 9 

The. 
Selling the Farm. 
Shakspearian Burlesque 

(Dialogue). 
Sheriff Thome. 
Ship of Faith, The. 
Sister and I. 
South Wind, The. 
Surly Tim's Trouble. 
Tableaux from Cotter's Sat- 

urday Night. 
That Hired Girl. 
Tired Mothers. 
Tom's Little Star. 
Village Blacksmith, Tbe. 
Voice in the Twilight, The, 
Woman's Rights (Dialogue^ 
Wounded Soldier, The, 



CONTENTS OF No. 8. 



Philosophy of Laughter . 
Practical Young Woman, 

A. 
Psalm XC. 
Reckoning with the 01<J 

Year. 
Reply to Hayne. 
Rest. 

Rivals, The (Dialogue). 
Scene from Leah the Fg*» 

saken. 
Setting a Hen. 
Sioux Chiefs Daughter 

The. 
Slander. 

Song of Steam, The. 
Stage -Struck (Dialogue). 
Statue in Clay, The. 
Tale of the Yorkshire Gos&% 

A. 
Temperance Question, The 
There's No Rose Without ^ 

Thorn (Tableau). 
Undine (Tableau). 
Vashti. 



"This series is designed as a receptacle into which shall fall yea* 
|y year the newest and best read ing-s of the elocutionists of th% 
country. A few of the old standard pieces are always intermixed with 
tne newest, thus making the Elocutionist's Annual a compact and 
convenient manual and a thing of merit." — Intelligencer, Doyle* 
town. Pa. 



CONTENTS OF No. 9, 



4*ged Stranger, The. 

Awfully Lovely Philosophy. 

Baby's Visitor. 

Baby's Kiss, The. 

Bertha in the Lane. 

Births. Mrs. Meeks, of a 
Son. 

Brier Rose. 

Bumbcat Woman's Story, 
The. 

Child on che Judgment- 
Seat, The. 

Christmas Ballad, A. 

Combat between Fitz- 
James and Roderick 
Dhu (Dialogue). 

Connor. 

Death of Minnehaha (Ta 
bleau). 

Fisherman's Wife, The. 

First Party, The. 

Gypsy Fortune-Teller (Ta- 
bleau). 

Hamlet, Act III., Scene 4 
(Dialogue) 



Henry Fifth's Wooing (Dia- 
logue). 

Horatius. 

Ideal, The. 

I Was with Grant. 

Lady of Lyons, Scene from 
(Dialogue). 

Last Prayer of Mary, Queen 
of Scots. 

Lookout Mountain. 

Master Johnny's Next- Door 
Neighbor. 

Maud Muller (Tableau). 

Mine Vamily. 

Mrs. Walker's Betsy. 

Mrs. Ward's Visit to the 
Prince. 

National Ensign, The. 

Only. 

Palace o' the King, The. 

Paul at Athens. 

Potency of English Words. 

Pwize Spwing Poem. 

Queen Mary, Act V., Scene 
5 (Dialogue). 



River, The. 

Rover's Petition. 

Sailing of King Olaf, Th* 

Sam's Letter. 

School Begins To-day. 

Selling the Farm. 

Sometime. 

Song of the Camp, The. 

St. George and the Drag* 

on. 
Terpsichore in the Flap 

Creek Quarters. 
Then and Now. 
Thoughts for a New Year 
Tribute to Washington. 
Truth of Truths, The. 
Unnoticed and Unhoiiorm 

Heroes. 
White Squall, The. 
Widow and Her Sou, The. 
William Goetz. 
World, The. 
Words of Strength. 
Yorkshire Cobbler, The» 



CONTENTS OF No. lO. 



3e as Thorough as You Can, 

Balaklava. 

Blind Lamb, The. 

Caught in the Quicksand. 

Chimney's Melody, The. 

Chickamauga. 

Despair. 

Drifting. 

Dick Johnson's Picture. 

Death of Roland, The. 

Dot Bav^f off Mine. 

Eulogy on Garfield. 

Frenchman on Macb»th, 

A. 
Herve Riel. 

Irrepressible Boy, The. 
•Job XX VI II. 
Jamie. 

l«aw of Death, The. 
Little Rocket's Christmas. 
L*rrie O'Dee. 
Jcittle Dora's Soliloquy. 
J«Mt Charge of Nev 



Lost Found, The. 

Mick Tandy's Revenge. 

Macbeth and the Witches 
(Dialogue). 

Mother of the Grachii, The 
(Tableau). 

Nay, I'll Stay with the Lad. 

New England's Chevy 
Chase. 

Old Year and the New, The. 

Phantom Ship, The. 

Quarrel between Sir Peter 
and Lady Teazle (Dia- 
logue). 

Rev. Gabe Tucker's Re- 
marks. 

Railway Matinee, A. 

Rizpah. 

Reveries of a Bachelor (Ta- 
bleau"). 

Reminiscence of Exhibi- 
tion Day. 

Shriviug of Guinevere, The. 



| Schoolmaster Beaten, Th%, 

Sympathy. 

Sky, The. 

[School Statistics. 

Scene from Damon &o$ 
Pythias (Dialogue). 

Snow-Birds (Tableau). 

Tilghman's Ride. 

Theology in the Quarters. 

To the Susvivors of the Bat*. 
tie of Bunker Hill. 

Till Death Us Join. 

Tammy's Prize. 

Tragedy, The. 

True Story of Little Boy 
Blue, The. 

Two Blind Beggars (Ta>.« 
bleau). 

Village Choir, The (Ta- 
bleau). 

Washington Hawkins DiMf 
with Col. Seaera. 

Wayside Inn. The, 



Dr. J. H. Luther, President Baylor College, Independence, Texas, says 
"1 regard this 6eries as the best published for this department of col 
lege study. The Annuals are specially valuable as sustaining the 
interest of the pupil and widening her knowledge of our be*f 
authors." 



CONTENTS OF No. 



Apostrophe to the Ocean. 

Arctic Aurora, An. 

Ballet Girl, The. 

Bobolink, The. 

Catching the Colt. 

Child Martyr, The, 

Clown's Baby, The. 

Convict's Soliloquy, the 
Night before Execution, 
The. 

Death of Little Paul Dom- 
bey. 

Decoration Day. 

Dutchman's Snake, The. 

Echo and the Ferry. 

Execution of Queen Mary. 

Finished. 

Flash— the Fireman's Sto- 
ry. 

Foxes' Tails; or, Sandy Mac- 
donald's Signal, The. 

Freckled -faced Girl, The. 

Front Gate, The. 

Froward Duster, The. 

GarLeid at the Wl .eel. 

Grandmother's Apology, 



Her Name. 

Jerry. 

Joan of Arc at the Stake 
(Tableau"). 

Knowledge and Wisdom. 

Life's Loom. 

Lisping Lover, The. 

Little Boy's Valentine, A. 

Little Gottlieb's Christmas. 

Mice at Play. 

Model American Girl, The. 

Modern Facilities for Evan- 
gelizing the World. 

Mona's Waters. 

Naomi and Her Daughters- 
in-Law (Tableau). 

New Slate, The. 

Nicodemus Dodge. 

No Kiss. 

Old Year and the New, The. 

One Flower for Nelly. 

Parson's Fee ; or. The Bag 
of Beans, The (Tableau). 

Possible Consequences of a 
Comet Striking the Earth 
in the Pre-glacial Period. 

Prospects of the Republic. 



CONTENTS OF No. 

Aunty Doleful's Visit. [Felon's Cell, A. 

Aux Italiens. Fly's Cogitations, A. 

Ballad of Cassandra Brown, ' God's Love to Man. 



The. 
Battle Flag at Shenandoah, 

The. 
Bell of Zanora, The. 
Bells, The. 

Bells Across the Snow. 
Beyond the Mississippi. 
Bishop's Visit. The. 
Blind Poet's Wife, The. 
Book Canvasser, The. 
Brother's Tribute, A. 
Convention of Realistic 

Readers. 
Country School, The. 
Discontentment. 
Dude, The. 

Duelist's Victory, The. 
Earnest Views of Life. 
Easter-Tide Deliverance, 

A. D. 439. 
Engineers Making Love, 

Tha. 
Fall of Pemberton Mill, 
. The. 



Good-Bye. 

Grace of Fidelity, The. 

How Girls Study. 

How the Gospel came to 

Jim Oaks. 
Industry Necessary to the 

Attainment of Eloquence. 
Innocence. 

Interviewing Mrs. Pratt. 
I would'na Gie a Copper 

Plack. 
Jesus, Lover of my Soul. 
Jimmy Brown's. Steam 

Chair. 
Lasca. 
Legend of the Beautiful, 

The. 
Life's Story. 
Lincoln's Last Dream. 
Luther. 
Magic Buttons. 
Maister an' the Bairns, The. 
Malaria. 
Man's Mortality. 



11. 

Queen Vashti's Lam act. 
Rock Me to Sleep. 
Romance of a Hammock. 
Shadow of Doom, The. 
Song ot the Mystic. 
Speeches of Zenobia aa 

her Council in Reference 

to the Anticipated War 

with Rome (Dialogue). 
Sunday Fishin'. 
Supposed Speech of John 

Adams on the Declaration 

of Independence. 
Telephonic Conversation, A. 
This Side and That. 
Thora. 

Ticket o' Leave. 
Trial of Fing Wing (Di*. 

logue). 
Tribute to Sir Walter Scott» 

A. 
Wedding of Shan Maclear, 

The. 
Where's Annette? 
Winter in the Lap '* 

Spring (Tableau). 
Wonders of Genealogy, Th% 

12. 

Mine Schildhood. 

Newsboy's Debt, The. 

Old Book, That. 

Old Letter. 

Over the Orchard Fence- 
Pantomime, A. 

Poor- House Nan. 

Popular Science Catechism. 

Power of the Tongue, The- 

Psalm Book in the Garret, 
The. 

Receiving Calls. 

Santa Claus in the Mines. 

Serenade, The. 

She Cut his Hair. 

Skeleton's Story, The. 

Story of Chinese Love, A. 

Tarrytown Romance, A. 
Teddy McGuire and Pad<t 

O'Flynn. 
Temperance. 
Ter'ble 'Sperience, A. 
Total Annihilation. 
Trying to be Literal? 
Wave, The. 
Wendell Phillips* 
Yosemite. 



*The selections in the Elocutionists' Annum present a very plea*, 
feng variety in style and subject, and afford a convenient, littk 
tolunie from which to make selections tor readings and recitations."- -#«* 
ington Hawkey e. 

CONTENTS OF No. IS. 

Abbess's Story, The. IJehoshaphat's Deliverance. jOnly. 

After- Dinner Speech by a|Lady Rohesia, The. [On the Stairway* 

Frenchman. , Landlord s Visit, The. jOui to Old Aunt Mary's. 

Ancient Miner's Story ,The. Little Quaker Sinner, The. Our Relation", to Englaafc 
4ristarchus Studies Elo-! Lead the Way. j Playful (Acting Charade^ 

cution. Leg'-nd of the Organ-; Playing. School. 

&t Last. Builder, The. jPublic Speech, 

lunt Bet3y and Little Da-;Let the Angels Bing the Regulus to the Carthagift 

vy (Dialogue). | Bells. I ians. 

Aunt Polly's " George Literary Recreations. jBhymlet, A. 

Washington." jLord Dundreary in 

Banford's Burglar-Alurm.j Country. 
Marit and I. 
Mary's Night Bide 



Better Things. 

Canada. 

Chase, The. 

Child's Dream of a Star, A. 

Chopper's Child, The. 

Cloud, The. 

Devotion (Tableau). 

Diana (Tableau). 

Ego et Echo. 

Elijah and the Prophets of 
Baal. 

Griffith Hammerton. 

Humblest of the Earth - 
Children, The. 

In the Signal-Box ; a Sta- 
tion Master's Story. 



the Smoke of Sacrifice, The. 
Song of the American Eft 

gle 
Spring Poet, The. 



Marry Me, Darlint, To- Statuary (Tableaux). 



Night. 
Memorial Day. 
Methodist Class Meeting,A 
Mine Shildren. 
Mother and Poet. 
Murder of Thomas a Beck- 

et (Dialogue) 
New Cure for Rheumatism,! 



Tableaux from Hiawathi^ 

with Readings. 
Three Gracew, The (Ta- 
bleau). 
Tribute to Longfellow, A. 
Two Stammerers, The. 
| Union forever, The (Ta 



blean). 
| "Uncle Ben." 
New Year ; or, Which Way ? V-a-s-e, The. 

The. lYosemite, The. 

Old Continentals, The. Zarafi. 

Ola Man Goes to Town,The.| 



CONTENTS OF No. 

jx* these God's Children ? 

artist's Dream, The (Tab 
leau). 

Ballad of the Wicked Neph- 
ew. 

Battle of Morgarten. 

Be a Woman. 



Bill and Joe. 

Brudder Yerkes's Sermon. 

-Child is Father to the Man, 

Tiie. 
Child's Thought of God, A. 
Columbus before Ferdinand 

and Isabella (Tableau). 
Contrast, A. 

Cow and the Bishop, The. 
Crazy Nell. 
Culprit, A. 
Daniel Gray. 
Day is, Done, The. 
Death of Steerforth, The. 
Destiny of America. 
Dome.- tic Economy. 
Don't Be .Mean. Bovs. 
Doubting H ait. A - . 
Drummer Bov of Mission 

Ridge, The." 
Extract from a Eulo< r v on 

General Grant 
Finding of the Cross, The. 
Gettysburg. 
Cxod's Anvil. 
filing for the Cows. 



Grade's Kitty. 

Great Issue, The. 

Head and the Heart, The. 

Her Laddie's Picture. 

Ho, Boat Ahoy ! 

Incompatibility (Charade). 

Jimmy Brown's Sister's 
Wedding. 

June. 

Jupiter and Ten. 

King Harold's Speech to his 
Army before the Battle 
of Hastings. 

Lady Judith's Vision, The. 

Last Charge of Ney, The. 

Lifeboat, The. 

Light that is Felt, The. 

Military Supremacy Dan- 
serous to Liberty. 

Miseries of War, The. 

Mither'a Kne<\ A. 

Model Woman, The. 

Monev .Musk. 

Mother's Portrait, A. 

Mr. Winkle Puts on Skates. 

Nearer Horn'-. 

Night Watch. The. 

Old Homestead. The. 

Origin of Scandal. The. 

Orlando's Wooing (Dia- 
logue). 

Pleasant Acquaintance, A 
(Tableau). 



14. 

Pockets. 

Psalm XCV. 

Puritan, The. 

Bomance of the Rood-Lof^ 

A. 
Romance of the Swan'sNest, 

The. 
School-Bov on Corns, A. 
Second Trial, A. 
Self-Culture. 
Ship of State, The. 
Sine a Song a Sixpence. 
Sister Agatha's Gliost. 
Smile and thp Sigh, The. 
Soldier's Home, Washing- 

ton, The. 
Stolen Bird's Nest, Tl*a 

(Tableau ). 
Story Kathie Told, The. 
Sweetest 1'icture, The. 
Tear of Repentance, A, 
Tender Heart, The. 
Thoughts for the New Y .ax 
Three Leaves from a rsoy 

Diary. 
To the Desponding 
Twentv-Second ot Febrd- 

»ry, The. 
Victor of Marengo, The: 
What we Did with the Cow 
Widow Cammiskey, Th* 
Woman's Power. 
Ulysses. 



CONTENTS OF NUMBER 15. 

*' No other publishers possess such exceptional facilities for tht 
preparation of a series of speakers like the Elocutionist's Annual. 
That they have availed themselves of these advantages is aViested by 
the great and continued success of the series."— Mld-Contineac, Kansa* 
City, Mo. 



America. 

Anne Boleyn's Rejection 
of Henry VIII. s First 
Gift (Tableau). 

3»chelors, The. 

Balaam's Parables. 

Bartholdi Statue, The. 

Beautiful Hands. 

Becalmed. 

Burial of the Old Flag. 

Brave Aunt Katy. 

Children, The. 

Childhood's Scenes. 

Christmas Guest, The. 

City of Is, The. 

Commerce. 

Concord Love Song, A. 

David's Lament for Absa- 
lom. 

Death of Jezebel, The. 

Der Oak und Der Vine. 

Discovering a Leak (Tab- 
leau). 

Doubtful Bank Note, The 
(Tableau). 

Fading Leaf, The. 

Fall In ! I860. 

Flag of the Rainbow. 

Golden Bridge, The. 

Grant's Place in History. 

Gray Champion, The. 



Guessing Nationalities. 

Heart's Resolve, The (Tab- 
leau). 

i. Church — During the 
Litany. 

In the Children's Hospital. 

Ireland To Be Ruled by 
Irishmen. 

Jem's Last Ride. 

King Arthur and Guine- 
vere. 

Kiss Deferred, The. 

La Tour D'Auvergne. 

Little Christel. 

Little Foxes. 

Little Maid with Lovers 
Twain. 

Lullaby Song. 

Manhood. 

Month of Apple Blossoms, 
The. 

Midsummer. 

Moral Courage. 

Mouse Trap, The (A 
Farce). 

Mr. Beecher and the 
Waifs. 

Mrs. Pickett's Missionary 
Box. 

Music in Camp. 

Niagara Falls. 



On Eloquence. 

Old Roundsman's Story-. 

Our Choir. 

Our First Experience witt 

a Watch Dog. 
People's Song of Peace. 
Perfectly, awfully, lovely 

Story, A. 
Price of a Drink, The. 
Proof Positive. 
She Wanted to Hear it 

Again. 
Skipper Ben. [Act. 

Speech Against the Stamp 
Squire's Bargain, The. 
Song for the Conquered, A, 
Story of an Apple, A. 
Strange Experience, A. 
Three Kings, The. 
Three Meetings. 
Tragedy on Past Pavtl 

ciples, A. 
Two Dutiful Daughters (A 

Colloquy). 
Two Runaways, The 
Vanity. 
Village Post Office, Tin 

(Tableau). 
Watch Night. 
What of That? 
World We Live In, The. 



CHOICE DIALOGUES 

FOR SCHOOL AND SOCIAL ENTERTAINMENT. 

" The dialogues are widely varied in character and topics, and all 
of the best tone and style, free from coarseness and irreverence, and 
yet sprightly and humorous. 

" Explanations are fully given to facilitate the proper presentation.* 
^-Journal of Education, Boston, Mass. 



Almost a Mormon. 
Art Critic, The. 
Best Policy, The. 
Bold for the Right. 
Brave Boston Boys. 
Bridget's Investment. 
Changed Housewife, A. 
Christmas Eve Adventure, 

A. 
Qontestings-for a Prize. 



Double Play. 

Genevra. 

Ghost of Crooked Lane, 
The. 

Gods in Council, The. 

Going to the Dentist's. 

Have a Shine, Sah ? 

Joe Fleming's Thanksgiv- 
ing. 

Justice. 



Opening Address, The. 
Our Country's Wealth. 
Railway Matinee, The. 
Ruggles & Co. 
Seizure, The. 
Signing the Pledge. 
Spirit of Liberty, The* 
Ten Famous Women. 
Trapped. 
Uncle Morton's Gift. 



Deacidified using the Bookkeeper process. 
Neutralizing agent: Magnesium Oxide 
Treatment Date: Sept. 2005 

PreservationTechnologies 

A WORLD LEADER IN PAPER PRESERVATION 

1 1 1 Thomson Park Drive 
Cranberry Township, PA 16066 
(724) 779-21 11 




N.0J2H81 132 8 



IF you desire a thorough and practical 
knowledge of the Art of Reading and 
Speaking, a 66-page Catalogue of the 
National School of Elocution and Oratory 
will be sent to you on application to the Sec- 
retary. This Institution organized in 1873, 
and endowed with full charter privileges in 
1875, offers superior facilities for Class and 
private Instruction in all the departments 
of a complete Elocutionary and Oratorical 
course. Address Cecil Harper, Secretary, 
1 1 24 Arch Street, Philadelphia, Pa. 




-<&—*& 



